Education Ministry launches word search competition

With the aim to reintroduce a pastime that has become obsolete with the advent of technology, the Education Ministry, in collaboration with the Communities Ministry, introduced a National Crossword and Word Search Competition (NCC), targeting more than 100 Grades Three and Four students.

The crossword challenge seeks to harness the brainpower of students in a meaningful way that encourages word recognition, increases vocabulary, improves spelling, stimulates an interest in reading, and generally expands the knowledge of words.
The competition also serves to reach those students with a borderline or introverted personality who may not be mindful of participating in a debating or spelling bee competition, but can master the art of word searches.
Chief Education Officer (CEO) Marcel Huston at a simple launching ceremony said that development of knowledge, skills, attitudes, and motivation to work individually and collectively towards solutions for existing environmental problems must be fostered, adding that what was required was reorientation through the environment.
Hutson said the competition could be considered as an alternative method of increasing academic performance at examinations and spoke to the development of certain values and attitudes that can protect the country.
Speaking on behalf of the Communities Ministry was Public Affairs Officer Danielle Campbell-Lowe who said it was excitement worth sharing with every child and she believed that children could find joy in putting aside their tablets and computer for one game of crossword/word-search, as it would make a big difference.
The NCC will form part of a broader menu of measures being undertaken through the Ministry’s “Green Generation Guyana Sanitation Programme” whereby students are encouraged to adopt safer waste management practices, including reducing, reusing and recycling.
The competition saw more than 10 schools participating.
The first student to finish the word puzzle wins the competition and will be representing their region at the national championships. (Yanalla Dalrymple)