ELEVEN students from across Guyana, who are the winners of the inaugural Guyana-China Friendship Youth Leadership Development Award competition, were presented with their prizes, which included US$1000 each, on Friday.

Rahul Chu from North West Secondary, Nanda Persaud from Abram Zuil Secondary, Attoya Harvey from Uitvlugt Secondary, Allister Henry from President’s College, Ryah Rhoomes from Rosignol Secondary, Malachi Alexander from Berbice Educational Institute, Odelliea Benjamin from New Bartica Secondary, Pearson Marcello from Paramakatoi Secondary, Allan Fernandes from Aishalton Secondary, Lemuel Browne from Linden Foundation and Xaria Holder from Queen’s College, took part in an award ceremony at the National Centre for Educational and Resource Development (NCERD) in Kingston.

In addition to the US$1000, each of the students who were selected from the 11 education districts, received a trophy, and a token from the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Guyana.

The programme, which was launched in March, is sponsored by the embassy, and saw the students participating in a competition that focused on three areas: a community-based project, critique of a work of art and participation in sport activities such as athletics, gymnastics, dance and swimming. The competition was monitored and evaluated by the Unit of Allied Arts (UAA).

For some of the students, their biggest take away from the competition was the character development that they gained.
“I’ve always been somewhat of an introvert and this programme has helped somewhat to bring me out of my cocoon. Having to organise my project and conduct a survey meant I had to interact with people and this has helped me to strengthen relationships and form others. I am more outspoken than I was before,” Holder commented as she recounted her experience during the programme.

For her community project, Holder conducted a survey in the Wortmanville community where she lives, to determine some of the most pressing needs. She eventually organised a hamper donation exercise that benefitted 16 families in that community. She was also able to interview popular Guyanese singer, Mystic, as she critiqued his song “We Are One Guyana” for her artistic piece.

“Our beauty is in our desire to help and support each other, giving out hampers and experiencing the appreciation shown gives me hope for the future. After witnessing the smiles on their faces when receiving the hampers, I felt elated to know that I was able to make a difference and it has encouraged me to do more,” the 16-year-old noted.

Holder was among 115 students who applied to be part of the programme. Of that number, 70 students were shortlisted but only 44 were able to make it to the end. The competition, which is expected to be held annually, saw participation from Grade 10 students from all across the country.
UAA Administrator, Lorraine Barker-King explained that while only 11 students were awarded, the Ministry of Education will be looking to reward the other participants who were able to complete the programme.

Though this hosting only involved Grade 10 students due to constraints of the COVID-19 pandemic, Barker-King explained that in the future, the programme will be opened to students at all levels.

Students were shortlisted based on their participation in sports, academic performance, leadership qualities, mental qualities, self-control, sociability and social action as well as their involvement in clubs and societies.

Also present and making remarks at Friday’s ceremony was Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand; Chief Education Officer, Dr. Marcel Hutson; Chinese Ambassador, Guo Haiyan and Director of the Guyana Online Learning Academy, Dr. Jacob Opadeyi.

Minister Manickchand, in her congratulatory message to the winners, told them that they represent the new direction of leadership that is expected from young Guyanese adults as the country develops its human resource to meet local content demands in the oil and gas sector and the wider Guyanese economy.

“This programme was well placed in the context of that new conversation we are having. The ideal young Guyanese is reflected here in the 11 of you and we couldn’t be prouder that you took the time to say I am capable of entering this competition and winning,” she said.

She added: “Leave here today knowing you are worthy of having arrived here and knowing that once you put your best foot forward, and do your very best, if it is worth doing; it is worth doing well. Don’t do it half way, lash it out the park, which is not to say you won’t encounter stumbling blocks along the way.”

Meanwhile, Ambassador Haiyan in her remarks, noted that it was easy for Guyana and China to collaborate on the programme given that education and capacity building are key areas that the two countries have in common.

She congratulated the students and wished them future success. She noted that they will be given priority consideration for applications made to the current scholarship programme that allows Guyanese to study in China.

“In all of you I see the bright future of Guyana. I might be looking at future artists, activists, ministers or even presidents of Guyana. You will make great contributions to the development of your country,” Haiyan said.