Cultural Centre lit up with energetic performances
… as Children’s Mashramani finals continue
The Children Mashramani Competition continued at the National Cultural Centre, with students from across Guyana showcasing their vocal talents on Friday. The second day of the national finals saw energetic performances of calypso and dramatic poetry from students ranging between the ages of five and 17 years old.
After earning their way into the finals, the top performers from each of the 10 administrative regions and Georgetown took to the stage for their final
Warning youngersters about teenage pregancy; This teen Performs a calypso piece
presentations in this year’s competition.
The day-long event featured performances from the primary level in the morning while secondary level students competed in the afternoon. The categories consisted of age groups five to seven, eight to ten, eleven to thirteen and fourteen to seventeen for both calypso and dramatic poetry. While each category was highly competitive with sensational pieces, only the top three performers from each were awarded.
The performances certainly invoked the spirit of Mashramani as the students pranced about the stage in their bright Guyanese colours, singing praises to our land.
What made the event even more exciting was the students using this opportunity to not only showcase their talents but to also shed light on several social issues that are affecting the country. Crime, abuse, teenage pregnancy and suicide were some of the themes highlighted in the expressive presentations. The audience was captivated at the sight of young Guyanese advocating for change and the growth of our nation.
Despite the competition being staged in Georgetown, the hinterland regions were well represented on Friday, with students from far-flung areas being among some the more memorable performers. Regions One (Barima-Waini), Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), Five (Mahaice-Berbice) and 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) were among those awarded for their performances.
The Children’s Mashramani Competition is an annual series of activities in commemoration of Guyana’s Republic Day celebrations. It is one in line of several Mashramani festivities and is the initiative of the Education Ministry through its Allied Arts Department. The children’s Mash is highly anticipated by schools across the country each year. This year’s competition began in January and is set to conclude with the festive children’s costume parade today.
