…as national science fair opens
Chief Judge of this year’s National Science Mathematics and Technology Fair Lois Oliver yesterday praised students for the projects they have created, most of which are implementable and urged that corporate sponsors chip in to help make them a reality.
Speaking at the opening of the fair at the Anna Regina Secondary School, Essequibo Coast, Oliver, who is Assistant Director at the Caribbean Science Foundation, said the quality of the projects showed that Guyana is in safe hands. “Because what I see is a whole lot of students who are willing to embrace
the challenges of a changing society. We cannot continue to do things the same way, so it therefore means we have to allow the students to be creative and innovative so that they can solve the problems which we are facing today.”
Congratulating the teachers also for their role, Oliver said, “When I sat and listened to the passion that these young people used when they spoke about their projects, it amazed me because they found solutions for everyday problems. That is what being innovative is.”
She said she was encouraged by what she has seen already and urged visitors to the fair to “pay careful attention to the projects. This is the future of Guyana. This is what will take you past tomorrow.”
Oliver said she was honoured to have been chosen as chief judge for the science fair.
The Ministry of Education’s science fair is being hosted in collaboration with the Guyana Telephone & Telegraph Company under the theme ‘Science, Mathematics and Technology: Providing Solutions for the 21st Century’. Regional fairs were held in the month of March and Essequibo was chosen to host the national event.
Delivering the feature address, Minister of Education Priya Manickchand, pointing to the need for a “pick-up” in the provision of solutions for the 21st century, pledged “We, the teachers, ministers and students promise that we will work hard to make sure that we will be better.” She added, “We are now seeing the best results and a number of children are passing common entrance or NGSA with 50 per cent and more. And as it relates to CSEC, a greater percentage of students are passing with 5 subjects or more. We must now ensure that the results are kept high. As a country we have to aim to do better in science. We have to start preparing this generation for the next and a better future.”
Regional Education Officer Region Two Baramdai Seepersaud expressed how happy she was that Region Two was chosen to host the fair. She welcomed and congratulated all of the participating schools and thanked the coordinator and committee members of the National Science Mathematics and Technology Fair for a job well done with the preparations.
Regional Chairman Parmanand Persaud noted that the fair has provided an opportunity for students to showcase their talents.
Assistant Chief Education Officer for Georgetown Leslyn Edwards-Charles, giving an overview of the Science, Mathematics and Technology Fair 2014, said there is reason for each parent, teacher and child to be proud of the projects on display. “It must be noted that the children of Guyana have participated in several Science, Mathematics and Technology Fairs and were able to place first in Barbados and Dominica. This clearly shows us how much our young people can do and how innovative and creative they are,” she said.
Much to the delight of the audience, the talented New Opportunity Corps Steel Band performed several musical items. The Regional Schools Choir did a rendition of the national song “Guyana the
Free” and a medley of folk songs.
Senior Education Officer Gerald Jewram extended gratitude to all, after which the minister cut the ribbon declaring the fair open.
She then viewed several booths and interacted with students and teachers.
The National Science Fair will come to a close on Friday when the best projects from the 11 educational districts will be awarded and those selected will be given the opportunity to represent Guyana at the SAGICOR visionary’s challenge.
Chief Education Officer Olato Sam also attended the opening.
A road parade from the Anna Regina High Bridge to the Anna Regina Secondary School had been planned by the coordinators to commence the opening ceremony of the fair and the students were all gathered at the Anna Regina High Bridge when heavy rainfall forced them to take shelter nearby. The road parade was subsequently cancelled and the students returned to the school. (Kenesha Fraser)
President’s College’s ‘Plastique Fantaisie’ on display at this year’s National Science Mathematics and Technology Fair which opened yesterday at the Anna Regina Secondary School, Essequibo Coast.
