EDUCATION is a journey that may take a number of years; however, that journey is not complete without two important components – sports and cultural activities/ experiences.

This concept was emphasised by the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony, at a recent graduation ceremony hosted by the Valmiki Vidyalaya in Lusignan, East Coast Demerara.

While interacting with the gathering, Dr. Anthony recalled attending another graduation ceremony held in the yard at the school. As such, he said, the graduation event of today is an indication of the growth of a small idea into one of the top primary schools on the East Coast of Demerara.

The graduating class started with 21 students, but one student migrated. The Minister recognised that, for a small class, the graduating students have all achieved places at the top secondary school in the city and on the East Coast.

Reports are that 40 percent of the students attained senior secondary schools, while the other 60 percent obtained schools with a five or six-year CSEC programme.

It is important to note that even though securing a senior secondary school is good, students need to work harder, because there will be more intense competitions among the students.

Anthony added that other schools besides the senior schools produce top performers at the CSEC level. He was referring to Anna Regina Multilateral School in Region 2 (Pomeroon/Supenaam), which has produced top students in Guyana and the Caribbean for two consecutive years.

He emphasised that the students are now taking a step into higher education, and he said it is therefore important that, at this stage, they assess their weakness and improve on them, so as to ascertain future success.

In this regard, the minister noted that he would like to see all the students completing secondary school and moving on to university.

He also called on the students to use the knowledge they have gained, and will gain, to aid in the betterment of their community, and to help humanity.

Dr. Anthony commended the administrators of the school for promoting a culture of knowledge in recognition of the fact that, in some schools, this important component – cultural awareness – is neglected.

While a lot of emphasis is placed on numeracy and literacy, more focus should be on cultural literacy in the education system, so as to ensure that Guyana’s cultural heritage is not lost.

Class teacher, Hemanchal Singh, in his remarks, stressed that he was pleased to have worked with the students in Grades 5 and 6, regardless of the challenges faced. While sharing his experiences with the students, he indicated that he was not surprised with the results.

Singh reiterated the importance for teachers to be aware of their students’ performance in the Grades 2 and 4 exams, since this gives an idea of their strengths and weaknesses.

He also encouraged the teachers to complete the syllabus for each class, since this has an impact on the results for the Grade 6 exams.

Mr. Singh also commended the teachers for their support and dedication towards their children’s education.

While congratulating the 2014 students, Pandit Haresh Tewari called on the Grade 5 students to use the graduating class as an example of what is expected of them. He stressed that there are two things needed for success, and those are hard work and prayers; stressing that the school seeks to provide education alongside good values.

Best graduating student was Amit Dass, who shared his experiences of being in the school for eight years.

He expressed appreciation to his parents, teachers and fellow students for their support.

Special awards were given to Madhav Tewari, who sat the National Grade Six Assessment one year before he was due to write the exam; he was ranked among the top 100 students in Guyana.

Kampta Persaud and Alicia Harriram were recognised for their all-round performance; Savitri Narine for her display of honesty and excellence, and Roberto Thomas for his excellence in sports.