– to help foster more international partnerships

THE School of the Nations will today host a fundraising concert called “Nations Extravaganza” with the aim of boosting international relationships.

Head of the Student Council, Othniel Lewis told the Guyana Chronicle that the event is a music and comedy show that will feature the entire cast of ‘Nothing to Laugh About’, including Lyndon ‘Jumbie’ Jones, Chris Gopaul, ‘Loli’ and Michael ‘Credit’ Ignatius. The musicians will include Kwasi Ace, Jumo, and Blaze Antonio.
The show will be held in the school’s compound at New Market Street and begin from 18:00h. It is being organised by Lewis, local entertainment personality Maria Benschop, and Nations’ Director, Dr. Brian O’Toole.

“School of the Nations is on a journey to becoming a true school of nations. We have developed partnerships with schools all around the world. Together, we hope to share resources and experiences to build a strong network of schools that can create social change,” a statement from the organising team said.

In Canada, partnerships have been established with the London International Academy and Nancy Campbell Academy, and a group of 10 students from ‘Nations’ subsequently travelled to London as part of a three-year student exchange to do a Winter STEM camp.
“They are currently making plans to launch a robotics club at School of Nations, and are also assembling a 3D printer. LIA students hope to visit Guyana this summer to boost the robotics club,” the team reported.

Earlier this year, ten students of the Nancy Campbell Academy visited Guyana to put on drama and dance workshops. “These were not your average break-down dances,” the organising team said. “They performed dances addressing social issues like racism, substance abuse and gender inequality. This July, we hope to send a group of about eight students to Nancy Campbell Academy to become immersed in the universal language of dance to be able to put on their own workshops here in Guyana.”

Last year, Dr. O’Toole travelled to Gambia to facilitate partnership with Starfish International Academy. Their mission is to empower Gambian girls by providing them with an advanced education that is focused on service to humanity.

“We hope to give 25 girls from Gambia the opportunity to study ABE Level 2. Nations is the top centre for ABE in the Caribbean, and top five in the world, so we believe that our expertise and experience can reach those in need across the world,” the team said, adding:
“We are also part of a transformational school network under the 100 million healthier lives initiative. Under this network, we communicate with the Marefat High School in Kabul, Afghanistan and the Algoma School District in Wisconsin, America. Together we share our experiences and knowledge to contribute to the overall goal of seeing 100million healthier lives 2020.”

The head of the Marefat School Aziz Royesh is currently in Guyana for the Caribbean Conference on Educational Leadership. He was nominated for the ‘Global Teacher of the year’ award in 2015 and became a teacher to create hope for youth in a Nation struggling with poverty and war.

“In order to help overcome the culture of violence, hatred and pessimism in the region he saw a need to rebuild the Afghan education system with a focus on civic education and female empowerment. He is now here in Guyana to share his experience with our teachers and this is exactly the lengths that we hope these international partnerships will take us.
Now, we hope to bring a number of students from Afghanistan to Guyana to do the ABE level 4 course. All of these partnerships are in keeping with the motto of Nations to make a difference today and tomorrow. All of these partnerships are the reason we are raising funds – we need your help to contribute to the overall wellbeing of a global community,” the team said.

Tickets are going for $1000 and are available at The Giftland Mall General Store, Giftronics and Sportsmax, Gizmos and Gadgets, Payless Variety Store and School of the Nations University Office.