“Education is a powerful tool for transformation” – CPCE Valedictorian encourages teachers to create safe spaces where students feel valued

Recognizing the need for teachers to transition from whiteboards, and instead stay abreast with the technologies and techniques available today, this year’s Best Overall Graduating Student in the Associate Degree in General Education Programme, Fiona Sharma, has encouraged her peers to acknowledge that ‘education is a powerful tool for transformation’.
Sharma, who on Friday received the prestigious President’s Award for Excellence from the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE), also urged her peers to inspire their students to dream beyond their current circumstances, and to equip them with essential skills for their futures.
In her heartwarming speech, the valedictorian shared that her vision extends beyond mere knowledge transfer, as she aims to cultivate character, resilience, and a sense of purpose among her students.
“Education is more than just the transmission of knowledge; it is a powerful tool for transformation. We have the opportunity to create safe spaces where students feel valued, heard, and respected,” she noted.

“As we leave this place and step into the world of education, let’s do so with pride and with a deep sense of responsibility. Let us be kind to teachers who inspire, who empower, and who make a difference. Let us remember that education is not just a job, it’s a calling; it’s a commitment to something greater than ourselves; it is a commitment to be the future of the next generation, and to believe that, through education, we can create a better world…,” she urged.
“I will continue to share my knowledge and impart it to the children that need guidance,” Sharma added.
This single mother, who hails from Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) and teaches at the McGillivray Primary School, has shared that it was the support from her family – specifically her son David Sears – and faith and determination that helped her succeed. She has therefore extended heartfelt thanks to her friends, family, supporters, and the Ministry of Education for their unwavering belief in her potential.
“If you have a dream, go after it…It wasn’t easy for me, as I had to give up things that I love… Yet, through hard work and dedication, studying early in the mornings and late at nights, I persevered,” she disclosed.
“All of my family are basically teachers, and they have been topping. We just go, do our best, and we deliver…I would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the Government of Guyana for their support and investment in our education,” she said.
Looking ahead, Sharma is determined to elevate educational standards within her community, and close gaps that hinder the progress and success of students.
“To my fellow graduates: as we stand on the threshold of our teaching careers, let us remember that education is a long-life journey. We have a responsibility, not only to our students, but also to ourselves, to continue growing, to continue learning and evolving as educators. Let us approach our work with humility, knowing that we, too, have much to learn. Be open to new ideas, to new perspectives, and to the responsibilities that (lie) ahead. The field of education is constantly changing, and, as teachers, we must be adaptable, innovative, and committed to professional growth,” Sharma declared.
On Friday, some 1502 pre-service and in-service teachers graduated from the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE). This represents the second largest group of teachers to graduate from the institution throughout its 96 years in existence.
The 90th graduation exercise, held at the Guyana National Stadium at Providence, saw over 1500 educators receiving certificates and awards in several educational disciplines.
Of this year’s graduating batch, 86 per cent were females and 14 per cent were males. Some 447 teachers graduated in Early Childhood Education, 602 in Primary Education, 169 in Secondary Education, 251 in Secondary Pre-Vocational, and 33 in General Teacher Education (GTE) and Technical Teacher Education (TTE).
CPCE offers a wide variety of courses and programmes for every level of teaching, including early childhood programmes for both pre-service and in-service students, the primary programme, and the secondary academic and pre-vocational programmes. In total, there are four programmes for the Associate Degree in Education (ADE), along with a Trained Teacher Certificate (TTC) Programme for in-service teachers who are not eligible for the ADE Programme.
This year, for the first time in the history of education in Guyana, CPCE students received Diplomas and Degrees in Special Education Needs.