THE Children’s Mashramani Competition is one of the most exciting, exuberant and anticipated events during February – the month when Guyana officially became a Republic in 1970. This event gives school children from nursery to secondary the opportunity to showcase their talents with the stage of the National Cultural Centre being the foundation for many who continuously develop their skills in the arts. The competition commenced Friday last with calypso and dramatic poetry presentations by schools in the Georgetown District. Competitions will continue on February 7 and 8 (tomorrow and Wednesday) with dance and masquerade 1 and 2 at the National Cultural Centre, followed by the costume competition on February 9 and physical display on February 10, the latter two at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.
Some of the participating schools include  Selman Fraser, J.E. Burnham and East Street nursery, South Ruimveldt, St. Margaret’s, and Anais Primary, Tucville, North Georgetown and St. Joseph secondary schools.
This year’s Mashramani celebrations are being observed under the theme “Mashin with pride, keeping we traditions alive”.
Chief Education Officer, Olato Sam, in his presentation, stressed that the theme was well thought out since there are some aspects of Guyana’s culture that need to be preserved in the education system and further afield.
He emphasised that the Ministry of Education places a lot of focus on this component of education since it ensures that the students receive a well rounded education. In this regard, Sam explained that the ministry has oftentimes been criticised for not doing more in this area and as a result the academic aspect tends to override other components.
Sam recalled the days when the arts had a more prominent place in the education system nevertheless, the ministry’s constant quest is to ensure the education system produces well-rounded students. He added that these events give students a good learning experience and excite them to learn more.
He commended the students and the Allied Arts Unit for their efforts and stressed that at the end of the day all the competitors are winners.
This competition is a reflection of the ministry’s goal to promote aesthetic education which is included in the Education Strategic Plan (ESP) and curriculum design. Additionally, the ministry is also encouraging students to get involved in sports and physical education.
This focus has since resulted in hundreds of students sitting sports and physical education at the Caribbean Secondary Certificate Examination (CSEC), with 100 percent passes recorded, and several school grounds have been developed and are being used for physical activity.