Education Minister meets inspirational 9-year-old NGSA pupil Ethan Henriques

Following a story published by Guyana Times on Sunday, Education Minister Sonia Parag on Tuesday met with nine-year-old National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) standout Ethan Henriques, whose exceptional academic achievement has captured national attention and inspired many across Guyana. The meeting followed widespread recognition of Ethan’s accomplishment after he emerged as the top-performing pupil of Genesis Early Childhood Education Centre (GECEC) on the West Bank Demerara (WBD) at just nine years old. Back in April, Ethan sat the 2026 NGSA when he was just eight years old and earned a place among the country’s top-performing candidates, securing admission to Queen’s College, the country’s premier secondary school. Ethan’s story stands out given that most children in Guyana customarily sit the NGSA at 11 or 12 years old. He obtained a place at Queen’s College after earning an impressive 482.69 marks, out of a maximum score of 484.52 – 99.62 per cent. In a post on her official social media page following the meeting, Minister Parag congratulated Ethan on his outstanding achievement and commended the qualities he continues to display despite his success. “This morning, the Minister of Education, Sonia Parag, had the pleasure of welcoming young Ethan Henriques of Genesis Early Childhood Centre, whose remarkable achievement has inspired many across Guyana,” the post read.
“Ethan wrote the National Grade Six Assessment at just eight years old and earned a place among the country’s top one per cent of candidates, securing admission to Queen’s College. Now nine, he continues to demonstrate a level of humility, confidence and maturity well beyond his years.” During the meeting, Ethan proudly acknowledged the unwavering support of his parents and siblings, particularly his sister, Adina, who also performed well at this year’s NGSA, earning 475.38 marks and a place at West Demerara Secondary School. She has been her brother’s biggest supporter, sharing classrooms, lessons and this year’s NGSA journey with him. “The Ministry of Education congratulates Ethan and his family on this outstanding milestone and wishes him continued success as he begins this exciting new chapter of his academic journey,” the Ministry said. The Minister’s meeting with Ethan comes days after his remarkable story gained national attention, highlighting both his academic excellence and his determination at such a young age.
Genesis Headteacher Dion Penville explained that Ethan’s extraordinary ability was evident from the moment he arrived at the school as a four-year-old. Though Ethan was supposed to enter nursery school at that age, he instead started in Grade Two, given his advanced level at the time. Ethan consistently continued to excel throughout the years, topping his class in his end-of-term exams most years.