MINISTER within the Ministry of Natural Resources,Simona Broomes, presented four Albouystown/Charlestown children who performed outstandingly at this year’s National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) with monetary donations on Friday.

Minister Broomes encouraged the youngsters to continue striving for success despite the challenges they may face.

“When school reopens in September how you looked at it before, I want you to change that in your mind knowing that you are now shaping your country for the future,” Minister Broomes charged the young people.

Eleven-year-old Sarah Singh,secured a place at Bishops’ High School. She told the Department of Public Information (DPI) that the Minister’s generosity was “unexpected” but “exciting”.

Singh, an aspiring pharmacist who resides in Yarrowdam, said she has had to overcome

the challenge of poor roads to get to school but was grateful nonetheless for her family’s support. “It’s really exciting when you have your whole family around you and you get the education you deserve,” she said.

Aidan Allicock, 12 years’ old, who is heading to Queen’s College, would like to become either a veterinarian or an astronomer. He said the minister’s gesture left him feeling “very enlightened and very privileged”.

It was a similar sentiment from Walanda Wilson. The 12-year-old also secured a place at Queen’s College. “I’m glad, very, very happy,” she said. The aspiring pediatrician said she was confident that Minister Broome’s donation would be very helpful. “I don’t know what books I have to get yet but I’m sure it will help,” she added.

Meanwhile, the day was extra special for Demetrius Drup and Daniel Robertson of Albouystown whose wishes of personally meeting a minister came through.

“I am excited because I got to meet a minister which is what I wanted. I wanted to meet

someone in politics,” said 11-year-old Drup, who is aspiring to become a politician.

“I feel very happy because I got to meet the Minister and she congratulated me,” an enthused Robertson said.

Minister Broomes also donated haversacks to other children in the community.