At 17th annual prize-giving…
THE Ministry of Education, in collaboration with Guyanese Assisting in Development (GUYAID), yesterday hosted the 17th Annual Prize-Giving Awards Ceremony for the 2010 Essay Writing Competition, at the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD).
Prizes were awarded to the top three essay writers from the different Administrative Regions in Guyana, in three categories, Under 12, Over 12 and Over 14 years.
The national winners were, Brittany Triska, Alesha Trim and Khemraj Jaigopal in the Under 12 Category; Zimeena Rasheed, Ravina Sookra and Lorenzo Jacobis, in the Over 12 and Gail Balliarran, Yogita Ramkissoon and Eletrice Bell in the Over 14.
The topics on which they wrote were ‘Market day’ (Under 12), ‘Fishing Trip’ (Over12) and ‘Discipline‘(Over 14).
In attendance at the function also were Deputy Chief Education Officer, Ms. Donna Chapman; Assistant Chief Education Officer (Secondary), Mrs. Melcita Bovell; GUYAID Representative, Ms. Bernice Mansell, parents, students and others.
In opening remarks, Bovell expressed gratitude, on behalf of the Ministry of Education, to the GUYAID representatives, who she recognised among the driving forces of the contest.
Of GUYAID’s role, she said: “This competition is fueled by the efforts of Guyanese living abroad and their representatives in Guyana,”
Bovell assured the gathering that all the 420 entries submitted were original pieces, written during school hours, under teacher supervision.
“Out of these entries we selected regional winners and, out of those, we selected national winners,” she explained.
ENJOYABLE TASK
Bovell said it was an enjoyable task to read the entries which were “fresh” and “not stale, ordinary writing.”
“This signaled to me that we have future writers in our midst, I can see a light at the end of the tunnel,” she said.
Bovell admitted that the final decision was difficult to make, because the writings were presented in a wide range of settings using impressive, quality language.
“The students wrote beautifully and we had a tough time. Because of this, we know we have selected genuine winners,” she remarked.
Speaking for GUYAID, Mansell thanked the Ministry of Education, parents, teachers and students for their part in ensuring the success of the undertaking.
She said: “Congratulations to all of the students who participated in this endeavour. You have worked hard and you have succeeded. We now celebrate your success.”
Mansell lauded the efforts of the participants who did not place in the top spots but assured them they are regarded as winners for their sacrifices and hard work.
“Believe that you can achieve anything, if you put your mind to it and your prize is waiting for you,” she encouraged.
“There is no mountain you cannot climb, no river you cannot cross.”
Mansell reiterated that the purpose of the competition is to raise the literacy level of children in primary and secondary schools.
Chapman also applauded GUYAID for its “sustained support in the literacy drive.”
“On behalf of the Ministry of Education, I would like to express profound gratitude to GUYAID for staying the course and for their continued support through other tangible contributions,” she said.
Chapman pointed out that the ceremony is opportune in light of the celebration of International Literacy Day on September 8.
“We must recognise that illiteracy is a global issue and, for the Ministry of Education, every day is Literacy Day,” she offered.
Chapman emphasised that the Ministry of Education, in keeping with its mission statement to eliminate illiteracy, has introduced several initiatives, among them, the introduction of the Literacy Unit.
LITERACY PROGRAMMES
Challenging the students to continue their participation in literacy programmes, she said: “For many of you, essay writing is hard, but it will help you to grow and develop. It has great benefits.”
Chapman said teachers should not view the competition as being outside of the school curriculum as it gives students another opportunity to use techniques taught in school.
“Teachers you have an obligation to produce the next generation of literate leaders and followers. The time is now to join the literacy drive and beat illiteracy,” she told them.
Apart from the prizes for the winners, the participating schools in the Regions were also presented with plaques, in recognition of their success.
The prizes, which included gift vouchers, cash and certificates, were provided by GUYAID, for the first, second and third place winners in each category and for each Education District.
GUYAID is a charitable, non-profit organisation in the Washington metropolitan area of the United States (U.S.) which has been supporting needy children, senior citizens and victims of natural disasters in Guyana and the Caribbean, too, through several programmes.