ANSA McAl Trading in collaboration with the Ministry of Education on Wednesday awarded the top 17 students for their performance at the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) this year.
The distribution company plans to honour the top 135 students across Guyana at a cost of $1.5M, which includes cash and other prizes.
At the ceremony which was held at the National Centre for Education and Resource Development (NCERD) in Kingston Georgetown, the company also awarded the students with the best letter and the best essay.
The 17 students on Wednesday each received a backpack and $10,000 to assist with school supplies.
Meanwhile, Zaria Mitchel from the Academy of Excellence received the award for best letter and Lily Johnson of the Clonbrook Primary received the award for the best essay.
Both Mitchel and Johnson received $20,000 each and backpacks.
Minister of Education Nicolette Henry commended the parents and described them as important participants in the delivery of education.
“I know how you work hard with your children, I also know that parents can get ahead of themselves and be very competitive,” the Minister said.
“So we will have to look at ways in engaging parents so that we can work with them to understand that this is a placement examination and there are so many places at all the schools in the country,” the Minister said.
According to Henry, the Ministry has seen an improvement at this year’s NGSA performance and all 14000 plus students deserve a round of applause.
“All of the secondary schools in Guyana will provide your child with the support and the environment that is needed for them to realize their full potential,” the Minister said.
Chief Education Officer Marcel Hutson said they are not only recognizing the outstanding work of the students but also extending congratulations to the teachers who would have also put in the hard work.
“I want to commend the teachers of the different schools who have worked exceedingly hard in getting the students here today,” Dr Hutson said.
The Chief Education Officer also encouraged the students to study hard during the next level of their education.
“Let no one destruct you from becoming whatever you want to become…secondary school is different with specialized teaching in different classrooms, remain focus and keep studying,” Dr Hutson said.
Meanwhile, Assistant Chief Education Officer, Carol Benn said the students who did not make the top 1% should not lose focus and that they can also be achievers.
“I would also like to address those students who have not gained a place in the top 1%, do not lose hope as this is not the end of everything…to succeed in life all you have to do is be good studentS and give it your best shot,” Benn said.
Over the years ANSA McAl has been supporting the Ministry of Education in all aspects.
The Non-Alcoholic Brand Manager, Errol Nelson said that the company remains committed to the development of education and young people.
