Laparkan Holdings Limited yesterday presented $1M to the Ministry of Education to facilitate the 2010 Teacher of the Year Award at the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD).
The Ministry of Education, in collaboration with Laparkan, re-launched the Award under the theme “Recovery begins with teachers”.
Addressing the gathering at the occasion, Minister of Education Shaik Baksh expressed his gratitude to the CEO of Laparkan for his continued support in the Education Sector.
Minister Baksh said, “Laparkan has helped in many ways over the years and I am happy they are here to aid in the re-launching of this award,” adding, “The Ministry deeply appreciates your support.”
He also emphasized the need to recognize teachers as the “key to the success of Guyana”.
In doing so, he stressed the need for improvements in the education sector towards realizing the country’s economic, social and political transformation.
He said, “When we speak of the education sector, we are referring to the teachers.”
Alluding to the role of the Education Strategic Plan, an initiative widely accepted by the Government and donor agencies, the Minister said, “We have a plan; and with the implementation of this plan, we can succeed in transforming the education sector,” adding, “this requires committed, dedicated and professional teachers.”
While encouraging all teachers to play their part in ensuring the development of education in Guyana, Baksh pointed out that the Government will begin negotiations shortly with the GTU towards a mutually agreed package for teachers, in recognition of their pivotal roles.
“Every teacher should strive to become the teacher of the year,” the Minister of Education imparted.
Alluding to the Award, Chairman of  Laparkan, Glen Khan, announced that he is pleased with his company’s association with the “noble cause’.
Khan echoed the Minister’s call for the recognition of teachers’ role in society as he paid homage to the importance of that role in his own life.
He said, “My life has been transformed because of this and it is important for all of us to recognize this.”
Emphasizing Laparkan’s contributions to the development of the education sector in Guyana, Khan announced plans underway for the establishment of an Education Fund.
He said, “This will enable Guyanese in the Diaspora to give back.”
The Chairman encouraged teachers to continue in their sterling efforts to enhance the education process.
President of the Guyana Teacher’s Union, Colin Bynoe, lauded the Ministry of Education and Laparkan for re-launching the award which was initiated in 1998.
“We are happy to be working with this company again and we applaud all that you have done for teachers over the years,” He said.
According to Chief Education Officer (ag), Roopnarine Tiwari, the nominees for the 2010 Teacher of the Year Award were selected from various schools across the regions in Guyana.
He revealed that the Award Ceremony will be staged at the National Cultural Centre on October 5, 2010.