-Olato Sam tells Region 3 awards ceremony
Chief Education Officer (CEO) Mr Olato Sam, last Tuesday said that “every educator must resolve to promote excellence at all levels of the education system, if we are to truly progress in our educational pursuits.” Mr Sam made this statement during his feature address at the Annual Regional Award Ceremony hosted by the Department of Education of Region 3 (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara) at the Aracari Resort, Versailles, West Bank Demerara.
The ceremony was held under the theme “Promoting Excellence in Education”, and in attendance were Regional Chairman Mr Julius Faerber, Deputy Chief Education Officer (administration) Ms Donna Chapman, regional officials, head teachers, teachers, pupils and students.

Referring to the theme, Sam posited that excellence is an achievable target, once commitment and dedication are at the forefront.
Noting that teachers hold the “key”, the CEO stated that a greater degree of collaboration among all stakeholders is pivotal to the realisation of the goals of the education system.
Sam promised that more developmental support for teachers would be forthcoming, and he expressed hope that the educational output would improve.
“You have to live lives that inspire excellence … the head teacher is at the core of improvement,” the CEO contended.
He challenged teachers to work on their weaknesses, stating that objectives can be met only when plans are adopted and executed in a timely manner.
He told the awardees that their achievements were commendable, but they should go after higher achievements.
“This (awards ceremony) must be the stepping stone for higher achievements … You have the potential, and government is providing the resources for you to acquire the necessary skills, so that you can succeed,” Sam outlined.
Noting that the education system must be more responsive to the needs of children and teachers, the CEO pointed out that government has been making the environment more conducive for teaching and learning, and stressed that other stakeholders have an equally important role to play in the education system.
Meanwhile, Regional Chairman Julius Faerber noted in his opening remarks that it was an appropriate gesture to recognize the outstanding performance of pupils, students and teachers.
He congratulated the awardees, stating that the regional administration is proud of their performances.
He said that government’s investments in education are testimony to government’s great concern for national development, and he noted that government’s policy on education is one that emphasises the right to quality education.
The awards ceremony saw the top performers at the undermentioned examinations being honoured: National Grades Two, Six and Nine assessments; CSEC; SCCP; Spelling “B” competition; JOF Haynes Debating competition; Best Graduating Student at CPCE; and long-serving and retired teachers.