SECONDARY school students yesterday presented their ‘A’ game during the Mash competition at the National Cultural Centre with performances depicting current issues faced by them in Guyana.Over 86 private and public schools were registered for entry in the competition where only secondary school students took part under the theme: “One People, One Culture, One Celebration”.

The NCC was packed to capacity as scores of children were still waiting to enter the venue to view the proceedings. The students, through their performances, depicted their creativity and brought to light current issues such as drugs being used in schools and child prostitution, as well as students who go along the straight path.
Many schools chose to use songs by local artistes to accompany their dance numbers and commendably some students used actual drummers to take part in their pieces. Many were heard cheering the talents that young Guyanese students possess.
Speaking briefly with Sharon King-Harris, Coordinator for the Children’s Mash Competitions, she explained that the registration of the schools is somewhat beyond what they normally expect. “But we are happy that so many students are stepping forward to participate.” She noted too that they have a ‘fair’ amount of entries from the private schools, but more can be done to have them come on board.
The activities for the day, because of the number of entries, ended a bit later than was expected. The competitions continue today at the NCC with costume competitions starting promptly at 10:00hrs.

(By Rebecca Ganesh-Ally)