President Donald Ramotar has said the government is proud of its record in ensuring equal opportunities in access to education.
“Creating equal opportunities is essential, and the Government is proud of its record in this area,” Ramotar was quoted as saying by the Government Information Agency (GINA), in his address at the Saraswati Vidya Niketan graduation ceremony held on Sunday evening.
He said that several secondary schools have been erected in the Rupununi and other far-flung areas in the hinterland. He also acknowledged that there are thousands of needy children who have no access to basic education and he charged the graduates to share their knowledge and expertise wisely.
Ramotar used his address to underscore the importance of a sound education to the development of the nation.
According to GINA, Ramotar told the students, “Today, you are laying the foundation on which the development of our country, yourself and your community at large can thrive… a sound education in any society, is the pillar under which its economy advances.”
He explained that in order to effectively eradicate poverty, there needs to be an improvement in the quality and standard of education provided. In listing the administration’s achievements, the president said since attaining power in 1992, the PPP has worked to rebuild education. So far Guyana has achieved universal primary education and efforts are moving apace to do the same in secondary education.
The president also said that the high rate of male drop-outs is alarming and called on boys to withstand negative peer pressure. He then encouraged parents to provide the best possible education for their children.
In his remarks, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds encouraged the youths to be productive on entering the workforce and to set high academic goals. “Our country is on the path to development, and as we work to have more success achieved, your contribution is necessary… I urge you, to take up the task of our generation and to work diligently to further advance our country,” he said.
Meanwhile, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall, in delivering the charge, noted the contribution parents and teachers have made to the students’ success and the investment made by government.
GINA said the highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of plaques, trophies and certificates, including for the Best Graduating 2012 student to CSEC graduates, top academic achievers (2011/12), Rupert Gobin Memorial awards (best English A&B), most outstanding contribution to Saraswati Vidya Niketan and scholarship students.
Ramotar presented the President’s Award of Excellence to Bibi Ameena Nazarali, who was named the Best Graduating Student. She gained eight distinctions and five grade ones at the CSEC exams.
