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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 29, 2018

Nalia Rahaman creates history

--first student to achieve a perfect score at the NGSA -- Arthur Roberts and Kaydee Ali second and third respectively

OR the first time in the history of the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA), a student has attained a perfect score. Nalia Rahaman of West Field Primary scored 529 marks out of a possible total score of 529. The young lady cried tears of joy on hearing the good news. “I feel very happy! And this is what I prayed for during the month of Ramadan,” she said as she thanked Allah the Merciful, her parents, brother, teachers and cousin who all studied with her. “School was balanced with fun and games. My mom told me to be disciplined. I was not cut off from anything. I had to know when to put down the remote and do my work,” she said. Rahaman, who wants to become a novelist, probably the next J.K Rowlin (the author of Harry Potter) and if that does not work out, the President of Guyana. Coming in at second in the country was Arthur Roberts of the New Guyana School who scored 525

Kaydee Ali of Success Elimentary, 524 marks

NGSA top student, Nalia Rahaman of Westfield Prep, 529 marks

marks. “I feel really great, I feel glorious… I have to thank God because if it wasn’t for him none of us would have been here. I have to thank my parents and family for their support and investment and all my teachers, classmates and friends who have taught me many things and helped me when I was sad and discouraged. I expected Queen’s College but not this. I was always striving to be the best I could,” he said. Roberts related that

months before the examinations, he sacrificed all his fun activities and is happy his hard work paid off. He now has his sight set on doing well at secondary school and achieving his dreams of becoming a doctor. “I believe children are the future and once you are a doctor, you’re helping the children, you could maintain the future of the country and of the world,” he said. His father, Walter Roberts, said Arthur is a fo-

cussed and very religious guy and his grandmother and mother did a great job of keeping him motivated. Rounding off the top three with just one mark shy of Roberts was Kaydee Ali of Success Elementary, who obtained a score of 524. Kaydee was overwhelmed and did not know how to describe her feeling. “I’m nervous and excited; like I’m not even sure how to feel but I’m glad my hard work paid off. I studied every night, but I balanced my extracurricular activities with my books,” she said. The young lady told this publication that she enjoys reading, and like Rahaman, she hopes to one day become a novelist. Kaydee won the best Narrative Award for the piece she wrote at the English examination. Her mother, Deeann Ali, told this newspaper that she is ecstatic about her daughter’s performance. The highest marks that could have been achieved in the various subject areas were: Social Studies, 132; Science, 132; Mathematics, 136; and English, 129.

Arthur Roberts of New Guyana School, 525 marks

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 29, 2018

Results will only get better -- programmes geared in this direction, says Min. Henry

ESULTS of the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) examination continue to improve because of programmes and projects geared at enhancing local education, and Education Minister Nicolette Henry promised that it will only get better with continued investment. “You will continue to see good results because we will invest in our people and implement strategies that will result in the benefit of our people,” said the minister subsequent to the announcement of the NGSA results on Thursday. Performance is an output indicator and the results are an indication of a lot of hard work, systems and initiatives that were implemented by the ministry. The results, she said, are as a result of Government’s commitment to supporting the education sector. “I speak from an evidence-based perspective; we have invested more into education… it used to be less than 20 per cent that was allocated for education

in the national budget but, we recognised that we had to invest in our people,” She said. In order to achieve their goal, the ministry hired supportive staff to develop and even strengthen existing programmes. This year 14,145 students wrote the NGSA and there was an extraordinary 60 per cent pass rate in English and improvements in Science and Social Studies which both recorded a pass rate of 46 per cent. In 2011, 62 per cent of students who wrote NGSA scored below 50 per cent in mathematics, while 59 per cent scored below 50 per cent in English, 58 per cent scored less than 50 per cent in science and 68 per cent scored less than 50 per cent in social studies. Although there were improvements in those core subjects, mathematics, which made a significant come back last year, declined from 42 per cent last year to 38 per cent this year. “The scores will fluctuate within range; we have to continue what we start-

ed… last year there was an emergency intervention to improve mathematics and we have to sustain intervention like these,” said the minister, adding that no subject area will drop

below 38 per cent in the coming years. Government had injected $48M into emergency intervention to strengthen the teaching capacity of mathematics at the Grade

Education Minister Nicolette Henry during the announcement of Guyana’s top students at the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD) on Thursday (Adrian Narine photo)

Six level in public schools in 2016. In addition to pro grammes for mathematics, the minister said other interventions were made geared at improving the results in the core subject areas. She said the results come and will continue to come out of a process that reflects hard work and a lot of people. For instance, several people were employed to conduct the emergency mathematics intervention. “It was recognised that we are rolling out several interventions and initiatives such as education reform, curriculum reform and things that are all linked. It is the vision of the President to prioritise education… you are seeing improved performances in many subject areas but we will need more strategic leadership and so forth to see results,” Henry said. The ministry had continued its collaboration with the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) to improve the quality of all primary grade assessments.

Teachers, subject specialists and test development officers developed the test items for NGSA with the technical guidance of the CXC, addressing key areas such as item construction, weighting of items, sampling and other psychometric elements. The candidates were tested in four subject areas including mathematic, English, science and social studies The examination of each subject area consisted of two papers. Paper one which consisted of 40 multiple choice items and Paper two which consisted of essay type or open-ended items. The highest possible standardised scored obtainable were: Social Studies132, Science 132, Mathematics- 136 and English – 129 marks, a total of 529 marks. Parents and students are advised to log onto the examination website, which is: exams.moeguyana.org. The candidate’s timetable will provide the necessary information to access these results.

Boys’ underperformance under the microscope -- Education Minister Nicolette Henry

ducation Minister Nicolette Henry said the issue of females out performing males in the education system is matter the government is looking into and intends to fix with the help of local and international experts. The minister made these remarks during the announcement of the country’s top students at the National Grade Six Assessments (NGSA) hosted on Thursday at the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD). She was, at the time, fielding questions from reporters and did acknowledge that there is an imbalance between the performance levels of boys and girls. The country’s top performing one per per cent consists of 104 females compared to 70 males. “What I found in my research when I presented this

morning is that at the primary and nursery levels we have a ratio of 1:1 for boys and girls but by the time they write CXC, we have two girls for every one boy. So, somewhere along the continuum, we’re losing them. That is data and that is evidence and that is enough reason for us to act,” Henry said.

One of the ways the Government has begun to act, she said, is through a Symposium on Boys Education which was hosted earlier on Thursday on the issue of male underperformance, which Henry adds is an unfortunate reality in Guyana. The two-day symposium is being hosted at the Uni-

versity of Guyana (UG) in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Commonwealth of Learning (COL) and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). It was themed “Bridging the Gender Divide: Stemming the tide of Male Unser

Persons gathered at NCERD to hear the results (Adrian Narine photo)

Achievement in the Education System” and will result in the provision of strategic direction on how Guyana can combat the issue. “These issues require evidence-based, scientific and proven strategies to address and therefore we are bringing the experts. We have people who are from the international community, from the regional community, our academic community and other communities right now, as I speak, in the symposium. “Ordinarily, I’m told that the Commonwealth is not in the habit of funding symposiums, but because we’ve made the case that we’re not only going to have a symposium but we’re going to have strategic action coming out of the symposium, they have invested their money,” she explained. Although no overall statistics were at hand, Chief Education Officer Marcel Hutson agreed that females

out performing males at the NGSA has been a pattern for some years which the Education Ministry is still working to correct. Reiterating the Government’s commitment, Henry said: “We have to go to the experts, we have to get the science behind it and we have to implement the strategies that will deliver our people and take Guyana where it ought to be 50 plus years after Independence. And that is our journey and it is a journey that we’ve started here in this country,” she said. He added: “What you see today it doesn’t only speak to classrooms but it speaks to the support, it speaks to the political well, the leadership and decisions to improve the lives and the well-being of our people here in Guyana through education because we know that you can only develop a country or its people through education.”

Elated, surprised, hard work

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 29, 2018

-- NGSA top 15 relate their feeling on hearing the good news

Esha Lakeram, New Diamond/ Grove Primary – 523

Cianna Barkoye, North Georgetown Primary – 523

Zyia Brathwaite, Success Elementary – 523

Krystal Duncan, New Guyana School – 523

SHA Lakeram of just studied, we didn’t push was sleeping more than she success was not without The most challenging part mentary; Cassie Farinha New Diamond / her to do anything. She went was studying,” laughed her sacrifices. was staying up late,” Krystal of Peter’s Hall Primary; Grove Primary; to bed at a normal time and father, Samuel Barkoye. “I had to sacrifice a lot said. and Saif Azeze of Academy Cianna Barkoye woke up at a normal time,” “But as the exams drew of things, like my weekends She is encouraging stu- of Excellence tied for the of North Georgetown Pri- Sherema related. closer, she started to push and my gadgets to study for dents who will sit the next eighth spot, having each mary; Zyia Brathwaite of scored 522 marks. Success Elementary; and Krystal Duncan of New PLAYED AND Guyana School all copped STUDIED HARD the fourth position at the “My school life was National Grade Six Asgood. Apart from studysessments (NGSA), having ing, I played games with each secured 523 marks. my friends. But I studied This newspaper spoke hard for this exam and I’m with them and their parents very happy with my perforand they are all very much mance,” said Ramphal, who excited and proud of their made his parents and school Cassie Farinha, Peter’s Darren Ramphal, Leonora Saif Azeze, Academy of Natania Kissoon, Success Hall Primary – 522 achievements. proud. Primary – 522 Excellence – 522 Elementary – 522 Esha LaNatania Kiskeram wants to soon told Guybecome a figure ana Chronicle skater when she that she was sucgrows up but cessful because for now, will atof hard work and tend the highest prayers. ranked school “I’m very ecin the country, static and elated. Q u e e n ’s C o l I know I did a lot lege. of hard work and “ I ’ m v e r y Virendra Dookie, Leonora Jaya Jamuna, New Diamond/ Amaya Ramsarup, Green Dietra Fields, New Guyana I prayed. I had a Jaden Vansluytman, Grove Primary – 521 h a p p y. I d i d Dharmic Rama Krishna – 521 lot of homework Primary – 521 Acres Primary – 521 School – 521 study, but it was and I ensured easy. English was the easiest Cianna Barkoye said she herself. She used to play long hours and I had to get NGSA examinations to “Just that it was all accurate. I of all the subjects but Social knew she would have done steelpan and cricket and up early in the mornings; so focus and do your work. If woke up at 2am to study and Studies Paper Two gave me well since she found the she dropped the pan so she it was very tiring preparing you know your work, you then I went to school every a challenge and Math and exams fairly easy, except can have enough time and for the exams, but it was all can accomplish anything.” week day and including Science were easy,” she for social studies. Prior to energy to study,” her mother worth it in the end. I knew I In a message to parents, lessons on Saturdays and related. the release of the results, her Tamika Barkoye related. would do well but I didn’t her dad added: “Work with Sundays,” she said. Her mom, Sherema, parents were a bit worried Cianna, who will be expect to do as well as I the children. Find out every Natania wants to become said she did not expect her since Cianna slept a lot; heading to Queen’s College, did,” she said. day what they do in school a forensic scientist and like daughter to be placed in the even this changed close to thanked her parents, famiKrystal Duncan said her and try to assist them in her teacher, Africo Selman, top 10 but is very happy the exams. ly and teachers, especially aim in life is to make a dif- what is required to get to who is also a Parliamenwith the results. “We are very proud of Miss Blenman and Miss ference in the world. this stage.” tarian, she too would like “When the teacher came Cianna, but at first we were Parks who were all driving “I feel excited. I stayed Darren Ramphal of LeTurn to page 10A and told me, I was sur- a bit worried because of the forces behind her success. up late and focussed on my onora Primary; Natania prised… and my daughter sleeping. We felt like she Zyia Brathwaite said her work and did all I had to do. Kissoon of Success Ele-

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 29, 2018

Alex Muntaz is Region Two top student T ears of joy flowed from the eyes of Reaz and Neelawattie Muntaz, the parents of Alex Muntaz, when they received news that he topped Region Two at the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA). Alex, a student of C V Nunes Primary School gained 516 marks at the examinations and secured at place at Queen’s College. He told Guyana Chronicle that he is happy with the results. “Ever since I started primary school, I was getting first. I expected to top my school because I put my efforts into it,” the aspiring pediatrician said. He credited his success to extra lessons, the support of his parents Reaz and his teachers. Neelawattie was overjoyed, noting that her son has made his family proud. Samera Persaud of Taymonth Manor Primary copped second place in the region with 515 marks. She too was overjoyed when she leant about her results. The aspiring attorney said she could not have performed exceptionally

from Taymonth Manor who scored 510 marks at the examinations. At ninth place in the region was Emily Jairam from Good Hope Primary with

509 marks while Yogesh Chairtram of C V Nunes Primary and Anna Lisa Basdeo of Suddie Primary shared the 10th place with 508 marks. Region Two Regional

Education Officer Nicola Mathews congratulated the students who wrote the examinations and did well. She said they made the region proud.

Essequibo Top Performer 3: Samera Persaud of Taymonth Manor Primary

Essequibo Top Performer 4: Muneshwar Beepat of Aurora Primary

Essequibo Top Performer 5: Anasie Fredericks of Tapakuma Lake Primary

Essequibo Top Performer 6: Navena Yogashur of Taymonth Manor Primary

Essequibo Top Performer 7: Nissa Swallay of C V Nunes Primary

Essequibo Top Performer 8: Sasha Narine of Taymonth Manor Primary

Essequibo Top Performer 1: Alex Muntaz and his parents Reaz and Neelawattie Muntaz

Essequibo Top Performer 9: Yogesh Chaitram of C V Nunes

Essequibo Top Performer 10: Anna Lisa Basdeo of Suddie Primary

well had it not been for the support of her parents and teachers. The third place in the region was secured by Tamesha Persaud from Hampton Court Primary and Muneshwar Beepat from Aurora Primary School, who both scored 514 marks. Beepat, the second child for his parents, said the examination was challenging but he was always confident he would have done well. Anasie Fredericks from Tapakuma Lake Primary did not only make her parents proud but for the first time her school shone brightly at the examination. She obtained 513 marks and copped fifth place in the region. Deputy Head Teacher for Tapakuma Lake Primary Fellton Williams said he is proud of Fredericks’ achievements, pointing out that the child was always a top student. Fredericks is the only girl for her family and while her father works in the interior her mother spent much time studying with her in the night. Naveena Yogashur, an aspiring doctor from Taymonth Manor Primary copped 512 marks at the examination. She tied with Nissa Swallay from C V Nunes Primary. They were elated when they heard the good news; so too was Sasha Narine

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 29, 2018

Morucans bank on education for a brighter future

VEN though having to trek long distances to get to school, young Morucans are investing their energy into education and their efforts, coupled with the help of dedicated teachers, are bearing positive results. The Region One community, like many other indigenous communities, has its fair amount of challenges, but its people are determined to chart their path to success.

port goes a far way in reinforcing the content taught in the school. “The biggest problem in education [for this area] is reading,” Lorna said, noting that while students generally have excellent reasoning skills in computing mathematical problems, it is not the same when it comes to reading. She explained that children in the region may be able to identify words but would not be able to effec-

comes a challenge. Cognisant of this, Lorna assured that the teachers have been working assiduously to improve literacy in the region and with help from the Ministry of Education, improvements are noticeable. Specifically at the Grade Six level, teachers need to direct much of their time and effort in moulding the young minds, but Lorna said that teaching this level is challenging. “Children have different

Children heading off to the Santa Rosa Primary school in Moruca

A senior educator in the region, “Jenny” (not real name) who spoke to Guyana Chronicle related that over the years, the pass rate for the Santa Rosa Primary school has been fluctuating but it has shown improvement. “[The pass rate] is always above 50 percent,” she said, adding: “Last year it was about 60 per cent, but it never goes past 60.” According to another experienced educator in the sub-region, “Lorna” (not real name), academic performance in the school varies. “Children who are performing [well] are coming from the homes with good parental support,” she said and explained that this sup-

tively apply meanings to these words. She also noted that if a child is unable to read and comprehend, learning be-

backgrounds,” the educator said. As a result of this, teachers have to adapt and find different and individualised ways to foster learning

at the primary school level. Some children have low self-esteem, some come from poor backgrounds and the value of education is not easily understood by others. “You have to make learning fun,” Lorna said.

GEOGRAPHY The distance of the school to their residence also presents a hindrance to the children’s education. Lorna related that children living further away are not regular

559 students drawn from the various communities in Moruca. For those in the Kumaka area, transportation is not a problem because the walk, ride or drive is a short one. But for the children living further away, especially in the communities separated by water or large tracks of lands, the commute is difficult. For some, like the Waramuru residents, the threat of a jaguar manifests few times, according

en her tremendous assistance has been the National School Feeding programme. The programme has been providing hot, healthy meals everyday to her son as it has been to other children in the region. “It’s been one year since I don’t have to provide lunch for my son. I’m getting it from the school,” Abraham said. And this programme

Three little girls walking home from school on a Friday afternoon in Moruca

attendees nor are they often punctual at school, especially when it rains. The Santa Rosa Primary School has a population of

to Lorna. The cost of transportation is another factor to consider. One parent, Megalla Abraham said. “Transportation is the only thing that is really hard,” she said. Though she lives fairly close to the school (compared to others), she noted that it takes about an hour to walk to the school. She also noted that the cost of vehicular transportation is $1000 a day, but arrangements can be made with other parents to reduce that cost.

MOVING FORWARD

Some children have to take the boat to come to school every morning

As a single-parent, Abraham noted that one programme that has giv-

is just one example of the progress being made. The extra mile that teachers have been going to ensure that their students succeed, is another. Lorna highlighted that both she and other teachers in the school offer extra lessons to the children on the weekends, free of cost. To this end she said, “It really needs a community effort to boost up the children.” It is with tremendous hope each year teachers try their best to ensure their students are able to achieve the best results possible since the chil-

Turn to page 7A

Commitment, collaboration key to success GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 29, 2018

-- Success Elementary School supervisor

Students and administrators of Success Elementary School (Samuel Maughn photo)

VER the past few years, private institutions have dominated the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) examinations, coping most of the top spots. While persons tend to believe that it is because of the added attention that the children receive because of payments that follow, the administration of the Success Elementary School contends that consistency and collaboration are the sources of their

exceptional results. In 2017, Gabriella Roberts and Tia Chung, both of Success Elementary, were in the top 15 for the NGSA results and similarly Chelsea Barnes also appeared in the top 15 in 2016. “Well every year there are improvements, what we do, the children who receive the top sixth form schools they get some extra rewards but the results say it all,” said the school’s Education Supervisor Freidel Isaacs . Success Elementary

School was established eight years ago and from the inception the school has been performing exceptionally well, she said, adding that the school is ranked among the top primary schools in Guyana. Isaacs believes that the performance is owed to the commitment of the administrative staff and the collaboration among teachers, parents and students. The school sets a high standard from nursery to primary, awarding students

who achieve 90 per cent and over at their end-of-term examinations. “The competition is good for the students and the parents because students will want to perform consistently well and parents will also support their children to perform well,” she said. Owner of the institution, Sir Wilfred Success sets the bar for students. He usually sets all test papers for the inschool examinations. Success has been known for his exceptional teaching

and the methods he uses to ensure students perform well. Prior to sitting the NGSA exams, students usually have five mock exams and a final one which is a simulation to the original NGSA exam. “Long before they reach to the desk to write NGSA, the students have a thorough understanding of what to expect; our teachers also do a lot of research and they are called up to do their best,” said the school’s education

Morucans bank on education Continued from page 6A for ... dren’s performance at the NGSA could be their ticket to accessing a better secondary education through the Hinterland Scholarship Programme. The Hinterland Scholarship Programme, formerly known as the Amerindian Scholarship Programme was introduced in 1962. Supported by the government, through the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, the programme provides academic opportunities at secondary, tertiary and technical levels and promotes the integration of hinterland students into the wider Guyanese society. Each year scores of children from the hinterland regions are offered some support in their endeavours to further their education. Despite the immense merits of

The Santa Rosa Primary School, Moruca

supervisor. Learning does not stop at the mock exams, students are also taught about life and how to make informed choices subsequent to their primary school life. “We work with the Ministry of Education’s curriculum but we are committed to the task and get the job done in unique ways,” she said. The teachers of the school work assiduously to ensure that no child is left behind despite the pace at which they learn. the programme, hesitation exists. In the Moruca area, Jenny shared the story of a boy who had gained entry into one of the top senior schools in Guyana through the programme. His family however was hesitant about sending him out of the region, and as such, he continued his academic pursuits in the region. The scholarship programme however has a limitation as it only caters for a limited number of students.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 29, 2018

OR the first time, 16 children from Yarrowkabra on the Soesdyke/ Linden Highway and surrounding communities have written the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) the newly-opened Yarrowkabra Primary school. The school opened its doors last September much to the delight of residents. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a media tour, Chairman of the Community Development Council (CDC) Corrine Wilson related that the school first opened its doors in September 2017, where about 170 children joined. Sixteen students, admitted to the Grade Six level, were the first batch to

Education prospect at Yarrowkabra bright

write the examinations for the school. While this represents a milestone for the community and the school, Headmistress Marlene Williams related that

the school has much more work to do for its students. “Many [children] never went to school before,” Williams said, “Or they were irregular because of the dis-

Chairman of the Community Development Council (CDC) Corrine Wilson

tance away they lived.” Due to this, many of the children are unable to read at the level that corresponds with their age and that presents a challenge for them to sit national examinations. Nevertheless, within the one year that the school has been operational, the headmistress related that all the teachers have “worked beyond the call of duty” to ensure that the children, especially those who sat the NGSA, were prepared as best as possible. Moving forward, she noted that focus will be on improving literacy for the children in the area so that they may be able to perform better academically. Additionally, Wilson high-

lighted that the school has been ‘going green’ by planting cash crops and using solar power to complement the electricity supply. Earlier, it was reported this year that the school was selected by the Ministry of Communities to be a “Model Green School” where separate waste disposal bins were introduced for organic and inorganic waste.

T h e Ya r rowkabra Primary School was established after years of lobbying for a primary school in the area. Previously, children from the community had to travel four or six miles for the nearest primary schools at Kuru Kuru and Dora respectively.

Improving education in the hinterland through ICT

OGNISANT of the critical role Internet connectivity plays in improving education, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) hubs are being established across the length and breadth of Guyana. ICT, in recent times, has been at the forefront of efforts to improve education in Guyana. In the hinterland area of Moruca, even though Internet connectivity is limited to mobile data connections, the merits of ICT are well known. Educator in the hinterland sub-region of Moruca, located in Region One, Mavis (not real name) said, “With Wi-Fi, children could come to school and work can be done easier, even with a cheap phone.” She also noted that the school uses past papers to prepare for the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA), but Internet access would allow access to a wider bank of questions through use platforms available such as the NGSA app created by STEM Guyana and the online quizzes offered by Brain Central. And though only mobile data is available, Mavis explained that at the primary school level, teachers have been using it to gather

additional information instead of relying solely on their syllabi and textbooks. Here, pupils are shown videos and photos of the content they have learnt which provides a better understanding of the concepts taught.

icle.

CREATING ICT HUBS The creation of an ICT hub in Moruca will go a far way in improving education delivery there and efforts are apace in this regard.

Phillip Walcott said in a regional initiative to established more hubs in regions one, seven, eight and nine will be launched. “We already have some hubs in the [hinterland] areas through Digicel and the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT),” Walcott said.

director related. Added to that, he explained that generally when hubs are created in communities, the authority provides everything, i.e., all the equipment and connectivity and in many cases, set up a solar power system. The community only provides the building and the space

He added: “Where they have signal, we are working with them so that if [communities] wants a feed from them, we can provide that.” The other option, Walcott explained, is to provide the connection from the satellite system. “It is challenging and more expensive, in terms of getting the signal,” the

for the hub to be set up. However, a number of factors influence the creation of these hubs. Walcott shared that the signal reach, availability of electrical power and even the availability of buildings to house the systems are all critical prerequisite components. “Only when we do a technical assess-

Director of Community Development and Social Management of the National Data Management Authority (NDMA), Phillip Walcott

Single parent and resident of Kumaka in the Moruca sub-region, Megalla Abraham said though Internet connectivity is limited solely to mobile data connections, it still helps her son with his homework. “I does put on my data and show Kevin (her son) pictures of the things he learns in school,” Abraham related to Guyana Chron-

The Guyana Chronicle reported in April that the creation of some 212 ICT hubs in hinterland regions across Guyana has been scheduled for the next five years. Speaking recently to this newspaper, Director of Community Development and Social Management of the National Data Management Authority (NDMA),

ment, to [determine] those three major things, then we decide which of the communities we will put the hub in,” he said. He also explained that there is no bias towards any community and all communities are open to the authority until the assessment is

Parent Megalla Abraham

done. Thereafter, it is decided whether the hub can be created in the community.

10A

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 29, 2018

Overall Subject Analysis – 2018

In the case of Social Studies 46% of the students who wrote the examination gained 50%or more In Science 46% of the students who wrote the examination gained 50%or more In Mathematics 38% of the students who wrote the examination gained 50% or more And in English 60% of the students who wrote the examination gained 50%or more May I point out that all administrative regions recorded improvements in English, with Regions 2, 7, 9 and 10 showing significant improvements.

Elated, surprised, hard ...

Continued from page 4A

to serve in the honourable house. Cassie Farinha’s face was decorated with a beautiful smile. “I’m so excited, happy and proud right now. I was very prepared for this exam; I stopped all the activities that I loved and stayed up late studying. Now I’m sitting here with a permanent smile on my face because I got the school I wanted,” Cassie said. Saif, who also got the school he wanted, said he wants to become the best civil engineer in Guyana. “I feel excited, joyful and proud to be one of the top students of my country. I found the exams somewhat challenging, especially Social Studies and Science. Maths and English were fairly alright but I’m just happy that I was successful at all. Now I’m on the way to becoming the best civil engineer in this country,” the young man said. His father, Asif Azeez, told Guyana Chronicle that he knew his son would have done well but he did not expect him to be among the top for the country. And that makes him even more proud that his son’s performance surpassed his expectations. Seven students also tied for the seventh place with 521 marks. They are Virendra Dookie of Leonora Primary; Jaya Jamuna of New Diamond/Grove Primary; Amaya Ramsarup of Green Acres Primary; Dietra Fields of New Guyana School; Shakina Mc Gregor of One Mile Primary; Jaden Vansluytman

of Dharmic Rama Krishna; and Hadiyah Alli of Peter’s Hall Primary.

LIKE TO CHALLENGE PEOPLE Virendra also wrote the Best Letter at the English exams. “I’m very elated and thrilled and I was surprised when I got the news. I stayed up very late and I studied every day. I want to become a lawyer when I grow up because I like to challenge people,” he said. In a message to other students, he said: “Don’t think it’s easy because sometimes you expect your marks to be high because you always get first… but you have to study very hard at nights and less play.” Jaya Jamuna was super pumped that her hard work paid off. “I made a lot of sacrifices to prepare for this exam. I stopped participating in all activities I was a part of, such as my dancing and music classes. So I’m proud and happy that my sacrifices and dedication to my books paid off,” Jaya said. Jaya’s father, Ricky Jamuna, who is a manager at DSL/DDL, said he expected his daughter would have done exceedingly well since she is always with her books. Her brother also was one of the top students of the country when he wrote the NGSA. In fact, they expected that Jaya would have done better than her brother did. Ricky also told this newspaper that his daughter was awarded by a library since she was the first student to read out all the books there. He commended her mother whom he said is the driving force behind their children’s success. Amaya Ramsarup said

she wanted to be the top student of the country but she is satisfied with her ranking. “I feel very happy. I wanted to top but I’m satisfied with what I did. I made a lot of sacrifices. I gave up all my gadgets and activities to focus on studying,” Amaya said. Her mom was overwhelmed by her performance. Jaden Vansluytman related that for years he dreamt of being one of the top students in Guyana and is happy his dreams finally came through. “I dreamt of being in the top since I started primary school. I had to make my dream a reality, so I went to school every day and balanced my studies with fun and relaxation. From 08-16 hrs every day is dedicated to books; after 16:00 hrs I play games and watch TV. So it feels good that my strategy worked and my dream came through,” Jaden said. His mother, Wanda Alphanso, who is a single parent of four, said she cried when the head teacher told her that her son topped the school. She also shared with this newspaper that paying his school fees was becoming difficult and she was going to take him out of the school. But the school board saw his potential and labelled him the school’s ambassador and he was awarded a scholarship from the board to continue his studies there. Hadiyah Alli was very shy but she stated that she is very happy and proud that she got the school she wanted. All fifteen students mentioned were awarded a spot at Guyana’s top secondary school, Queen’s College.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 29, 2018

Baboolall continues F

OR 13-yearold Ramoll Baboolall of Hampton C o u r t , R e g i o n Tw o , adjusting to secondary school life was challenging for him, mainly because of the school population and the added subjects on the time table. But this has not affected his studies as he continues to excel.

to excel

Baboolall was Essequibo 2017 top performer at the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA). At the time, he was attending the C V Nunes Primary School at Anna Regina. He gained 513 marks and secured a spot at Queen’s College. Although he scored marks for the top city school, he opted to attend the Anna Regina Multilateral Secondary (ARMS)

where he would be closer to his parents and siblings. Grooving into the secondary education system was his greatest challenge but he was able to manage with the help of his teachers. September will be one year since he joined ARMS and has since topped his class in the first two terms. “It’s a bigger population, more children from

all over, but the teachers are very supportive, I am glad I adjusted and I am even happier I am also on top of my studies,” Babolall said. The young man who wants to become a mechanical engineer, said mathematics has always been his favourite subject. Baboolall, who is preparing for his End of Term examinations, is aiming to top his class again.

His mother Chaitwattie Narain said she is proud of her son. Narain said Baboolall took a while to adjust to the number of subjects he was introduced to but is managing well. She continues to be by his side, assisting him in revision. Babolall is the eldest child for his parents.

Ramoll Baboolall

The sacrifices for success

M E L I A Sugrim, a young girl with dreams of being a pediatrician, transferred to the Academy of Excellence, a private institution just one year before sitting the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) in 2017. Despite hailing from humble beginnings, the family persevered to ensure that their daughter attended a school that would “motivate” her. This was because the public school she was attending had failed to do so, according to her father, Ryan Sugrim. “Paying the fees was a sacrifice,” the proud father told this publication last year, while noting that he worked tirelessly as a pump attendant to be able to pay for his daughter’s school fees. According to him, “Sacrifices must be made”. And it all paid off last year when little Amelia Sugrim was the second place performer at

the NGSA and scored a place at Queen’s College (QC). She secured 523 marks out of a possi-

one might believe that it’s smooth sailing from then on, or maybe one might already know that

only in scenery but in the number of subjects she has to do. Speaking to Ryan re-

FLASHBACK! Second place performer at the 2017 NGSA Amelia Sugrim and her father Ryan Sugrim.

ble 529 that could be amassed from the four subjects: Mathematics, Science, Social-Studies and English Language. Maybe after working so hard to score a spot in a good secondary school,

NGSA is just another beginning. Earning a spot in the nation’s (and arguably, the Caribbean’s) top secondary school, Amelia was confronted by a change not

cently, as Amelia was engaging in her final term examinations for her first year at QC, he shared that his daughter was still in the process of grooving into the new school.

“Adjusting from four subjects to 13 subjects was a little difficult,” he said and added, “Especially the foreign languages.” The young girl was nevertheless able to adapt and score great marks during her first two terms and is on track to continue at the end of her first year. The father affirmed, “She’s adapting to the environment.” With Ryan working tirelessly and Amelia’s mother supporting her just the same and helping her with her homework and assignments, the transition to QC has been easier. But just as Amelia has had to adjust, so has the family. The hefty schools fees are no longer there but there is now the daily commute between Georgetown and West Coast Demerara. Ryan explained the morning journey, or heading to school from home, would be diffi-

cult given the distance between the two places, and as such, he decided to hire a contract bus. Additionally, he was worried about his daughter using the speedboats to travel across the Demerara River and so the bus just seemed like the safest alternative. But perhaps, just as all the hard work paid off in 2017 when the young Sugrim achieved a top spot, in another four years when the girl writes the Caribbean Secondary Certificate Education (CSEC) examination, it will be worth it again. While she is not attending extra-lessons, at least not as yet, Ryan is certain that his eldest daughter wants to head into the science stream as she endeavours to become a pediatrician. Ryan shared the advice he gives to Amelia to ensure she always does her best. “Treat every subject as the favourite,” he said, contending that this is necessary for a good all-round performance.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 29, 2018