STUDENTS in all fields should make the best of the diverse pathways available to them, and pursue excellence beyond academic and financial achievements.This was the charge given by Minister within the Ministry of Education, Nicolette Henry, to the 179 students who on Tuesday evening constituted the 2015 graduating class of the Critchlow Labour College when that institution held its 40th Convocation Ceremony.

Delivering the feature address, Minister Henry said a good education must go beyond duty; it must bring out the best in an individual while nurturing character and values such as care, integrity, resilience, respect, responsibility and harmony.

Minister Henry also said, “Investments in education and training produce benefits, both to the individual and society as a whole. The return would, of course, be a skilled workforce that will enable global competitiveness and economic growth; while, on the individual level, there will be better opportunities for career pathways, increased earning, and ultimately a better quality of life.”

She told the students that they can all assist in developing the country and, most importantly, grow the economy.

HIGHER EDUCATION
“It is my hope that the training you received at the CLC will not only see you seeking jobs, but furthering your education as well. I urge you to pursue higher education at all cost, because it enlarges your potential and scope for maximum success,” she advised.

Minister Henry said there are many opportunities for personal advancement in a changing environment, and the successful persons will be those actively looking for those opportunities.

“Since change is the only constant that you can truly rely on, learning to navigate and adapt to change is not just important for your survival, it is essential for you to thrive in the bigger game of life,” she admonished.

The APNU+AFC administration, she said, is committed to helping Guyanese in the journey of lifelong learning, and is investing more in education at all levels, particularly post-secondary education.

She said many more upgrading opportunities will become available to graduates, while learning opportunities should not be along a narrow path, since, in addition to qualifications, what matters at the end of the day would be soft skills, expertise, and excellence on the job.

“If we have the interest and passion in what we are pursuing, we will learn continually, put in our best; but if we regard education as merely pages, we will throw away our books and notepads once we get qualifications, and we will stop learning. By contrast, if we have a love for learning, we will get a lot and learn a lot on the job.

“Today, our education system has many more pathways and bridges. In fact, significantly more than (was available) a generation or two ago,” the minister observed.

NO EASY TASK
Meanwhile, valedictorian Kedan Stewart said the path on his journey to success wasn’t an easy one, and he encountered many obstacles along the way, causing him at times to consider whether or not to quit the course. However, given the support of classmates, close friends and family members, in addition to God’s grace, he managed to persevere. “Now, a year later,” he said, “the experience gained at this institution opened my eyes to how blessed I have been to have attended Critchlow Labour College.”

He thanked the staff of the college for assisting all the students when they faced weaknesses during the course.

“Your support and pride in us is something we will always treasure,” he confessed.

He concluded his address to his colleagues with this advice: “There is no limit; you have to keep pushing, improving and making the most of every second we have on this beautiful planet we call earth.”
By Rabindra Rooplall