GUYANA Bank For Trade and Industry (GBTI) has given bursary awards to 15 students who excelled at this year’s National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) examinations.
At the recent ceremony, in GBTI’s Kingston, Georgetown headquarters, Assistant Chief Education Officer Mr.  Marcel Huston said it was a very special day in the lives of the recipients.
He said, as such, it should be regarded as a day for celebration since the awardees have demonstrated the resolve, resilience, commitment and courage in completing six years of primary education.
“I think the time has come when the community must play a more integral role in the education process of our children…the community must never be shy in contributing its resources, in whatever way, for they exist for the endearment of the education of its members,” Hutson said.
He said it is against this backdrop that he can publicly acknowledge, on behalf of the Ministry of Education, the contribution made by GBTI, encouraging and supporting students who strive for excellence in a field of their own interest while recognising their academic performance.
“I want to urge you students and parents identified here to make good use of the funds that you will receive for the furtherance of your education,” Hutson encouraged.
He challenged the students to pursue their education with diligence as the best is yet to come.
Representing GBTI, Ms. Roma Singh said it is a privilege to, once again, carry out the exercise.
Expressing heartiest congratulation to all the students, she advised them that learning is not a destiny but a journey.
“As you embark on this new journey in your academic life, we urge you to accentuate the positives, continue to be good students and always strive for excellence,” she told them.
Additionally, she urged parents to continue to be good role models for their children as they progress in life.
“We have selected 15 special young people who are the recipients of the GBTI’s Early Savers Club for Bursary Awards,” Singh disclosed.
Meanwhile, the bank also officially launched its impromptu speech competition and invited fourth formers of various schools to participate. 
Annandale, Central High, Christ Church, Covent Garden, Cummings Lodge and Diamond are among the other 19 secondary schools which will be participating in the contest.