SCHOOLCHILDREN from the 11 education districts converged Thursday at the National Cultural Centre (NCC) for the start of the final leg of this year’s Children’s Mashramani Competition.This two-day event will see the culmination of a week of regional competitions. The aim of this competition is to give school-aged children the opportunity to celebrate Guyana’s Republic anniversary in the performing arts.
Taking the packed to capacity NCC audience through the programme of events were Television Personality, Travis Chase, and Playwright/Actress Mosa Telford.
Together, they kept the audience alive, engaged and excited, urging them to support each performance with resounding applause.
“Having so many children from across Guyana taking part in these activities is a good thing; it helps them to better understand and appreciate one another’s culture,” declared Minister within the Ministry of Education, Ms Nicolette Henry.
She commended the children who took part in the competition in the past week, and also applauded those who prepared the children for their performances.
While recognising the role of the parents/guardians for allowing their children to participate in the competition, Minister Henry emphasised that this experience will be remembered throughout the children’s lifetime.
“The Ministry of Education recognises the importance of a balanced or rounded education. In this regard, the Ministry will continue to plan, coordinate and execute such activities with the highest level of proficiency,” Minister Henry posited.
One of the main sponsors for the calypso competition in particular was the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI), which has moved from just sponsoring the National Calypso Competition in the Children’s Mash Competitions to sponsoring the competition at the national and regional levels as well.
Pamela Binda, the Marketing Manager of GBTI, indicated that the Bank is proud of performing its corporate responsibility by sponsoring the competition. With that in mind, Binda reconfirmed GBTI’s commitment to future competitions.
The Children’s Mash Competition ends tomorrow with the Children’s Costume and Float Parade.
These celebrations are being observed under the theme, “Guyana, a ‘Green’ State: Moulding our Youth; Sustaining our Future.” The overarching theme is “Celebration with Liberty, Dignity and Greater Unity”. (GINA)