Children light up NCC as national schools’ Mashramani competition gets underway

Laughter, music, and vibrant costumes filled the National Cultural Centre on Thursday as scores of performers and spectators gathered in the theatre for the Ministry of Education’s National Children’s Mashramani Competition 2026 Finale.
From excited children dressed in bright red, gold, and green costumes to nervous performers rehearsing backstage, proud parents and teachers filled the auditorium with flashing cameras and phones in hand to capture every moment of their brave little ones.

The two-day event will feature calypso, dramatic poetry, and dance, opening with welcoming remarks highlighting the importance of culture, creativity, and unity of Guyanese youth.
The event will culminate on Saturday, February 14, with a grand road parade and costume display through the streets of Georgetown involving nearly 1500 learners and close to 60 entries.
This year’s competition is especially significant as Guyana marks 56 years as a Cooperative Republic. Speakers noted that young participants represent the nation’s future as they blend tradition with modern creativity under the theme “Little Builders of One Guyana: Learning Together, Shaping a Digital Tomorrow”.
As the competition began, cheers erupted when the first contestant took the stage, setting the tone for an exhilarating showcase of young talent.
In the first event, the 8-10 calypso category, Santa Rosa Primary School of Region One (Barima-Waini) stole the spotlight, winning first place with her captivating and encouraging piece, “Don’t underestimate people like me”. The young performers delivered the song with passion and confidence, earning loud cheers from the audience.

Wismar Primary School of Region 10 (Upper Demerara – Upper Berbice) followed closely in second place, while Region Three’s (Essequibo Islands – West Demerara) Revon’s Academy claimed third, rounding off an exciting opening segment.
Also featured in the competition, in the 8–10 Dramatic Poetry category, No. 29 Primary School of Region Five secured first place with a powerful and expressive performance that held the audience’s attention. Regma Primary of Region Ten earned second place, while St Angela’s Academy of Georgetown placed third, completing another highly competitive segment of the programme.
Addressing the audience. Education Minister Sonia Parag encouraged students to embrace their talents and never be ashamed of their creativity but to express themselves.
“You are showcasing as an individual what you are capable of, what your creative side is, and what your talent is. And don’t be shy about it. Don’t ever be shy about your talent and your creativity… Once you are doing something positive and your talent is bringing out that positivity and carrying a positive message, you keep going with it. Keep going with it and take the opportunities that you see this Government will put forward,” the Minister encouraged.
She also shared her own childhood experiences as a former participant, reminding students that even the smallest mistakes can become a memorable moment on stage.
The Minister emphasised the Government’s commitment to developing Guyana’s “orange economy” by nurturing creative industries such as music, dance, theatre, and craft, allowing young people to turn talent into future careers.
Over the next two days students from all eleven education districts will continue competing in dance leading up to Saturday’s mass parade and costume procession.