IN a commendable show of support for educational excellence, Guyana Water Inc. (GWI) awarded bursaries totaling $1.4 million to 32 outstanding students at a ceremony held at GWI’s Shelter Belt office in Georgetown, on Wednesday.

The initiative aimed to appreciate the learner’s exceptional performance in the recent National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA).

Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, addressed the gathering, which included senior GWI representatives, parents, and the bursary recipients. He highlighted the crucial role of education, emphasising that success is not determined by the school one attends but by individual dedication and effort. “It does not matter which school you attend; it is how you apply yourself,” he stated.

“You are coming up now in a country where the opportunities before you—the fields you choose, the subjects you pursue—are much broader than when we had our opportunities. You must not limit yourself.”

This year marked a significant

milestone, with the highest number of bursary recipients in GWI’s history. Minister Croal urged the students to explore creative avenues and consider careers in emerging fields such as science, information technology, and mechanical engineering, reflecting the expanding opportunities available in Guyana. He encouraged them to commit fully to their endeavours, whether in academics or extra-curricular activities, noting the profound satisfaction that comes from hard work.

The Minister also took a moment to commend the parents for their unwavering dedication to both GWI and the broader community.

He acknowledged that while there may be challenges in certain regions, the ongoing investment in the water sector is designed to ensure access to quality water service for all citizens. “We are ensuring that everyone has access to water, meaning that you can turn on your tap and have running water, and eventually have 24 hours of running water,” he affirmed. “For those of us living on the coastland, we are working to ensure that the water coming through the tap is treated.”

Additionally, Minister Croal spoke about the government’s ambitious housing programme and the growing responsibilities of GWI to meet the needs of new communities. As the workload expands, he emphasised the importance of GWI’s responsiveness to emerging demands.

Elvis Jordan, Executive Director of Human Resources at GWI, addressed the bursary recipients, reinforcing the company’s commitment to their education. He remarked on the significant role the students will play as the nation’s future leaders and encouraged them to remain disciplined and focused as they transition into secondary education. “You aren’t too young to understand what is happening in the country, and you should capitalise on the opportunities available to you,” he advised.

A GWI representative revealed that from 2019 to 2024, the corporation has awarded bursaries to 140 students, with the exception of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This ongoing initiative reflects GWI’s dedication to fostering education and empowering the next generation, ensuring they are well-equipped to contribute to the nation’s development.