As students across Guyana return to classrooms today, Minister of Education Sonia Parag is urging those preparing for the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) and the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations to treat the new school term as a decisive period that will shape their results.
In a video message recorded on Sunday ahead of the reopening of schools, Parag told Grade Six pupils and Form Five students that the coming weeks, marked by mock examinations and final preparations, will require “focus,” “drive,” and consistent effort.
“This is an important term for you all,” the minister said, noting that NGSA pupils will sit their second mock exams before moving into final preparations for the national assessment. She added that CSEC students will also be writing their second mathematics mock exams as they head toward their external examinations.
Parag encouraged both groups to remain disciplined and committed to completing what she described as the “final lap.”
“I encourage you to keep your focus, put in your effort 100 per cent to get to that finish line,” she said.
Turning to students across nursery and primary levels, the Minister acknowledged that returning to school after the holiday break can be difficult, particularly for those starting school for the first time.
However, she reminded them that school is also a place to build friendships and learn in a fun environment, encouraging pupils to reconnect with friends and teachers as the term begins.
For primary school students from Grades One to Five, Parag stressed the importance of attendance and steady work in the classroom.
“Education is the key to success,” she said, urging students to show up daily and keep working through the remaining terms before promotion to the next grade.
Parag also addressed teachers, calling on them to begin the term with “zest and zeal,” while describing educators as critical to shaping the nation’s future through its children.
“You are so important to the fabric of education,” she told teachers, encouraging them to bring the same energy to the classroom that they would bring to personal development.
To parents, the minister offered a relatable glimpse into back-to-school preparations, saying she, too, was doing the “bag check” over the weekend, ensuring books, supplies and sanitisers were ready, while preparing for early mornings to pack meals for children.
She praised parents for the sacrifices they make to support their children’s education and development.
“When you head to school on Monday morning with your child, you’re not alone,” she said, adding that parents play an essential role in helping children achieve more.
