Throughout civilisation, mankind has been making sacrifices for personal and societal advancement. Here, in Guyana, our history is inundated with stories about selfless sacrifices by Guyanese foreparents as they laboured in search of betterment for the generation following them. That cycle continues, and today none can dispute that parents want the best for their children; a desire they would pursue with unwavering commitment.
These are not mere words, but are values inherent in parenthood, as exemplified by the untold and sometimes unrecognised sacrifices they make as that sense of responsibility through hard work remains. It is not without its difficulties, more so for some than for others. However, on average, many, locally and across the globe, have unfortunate commonalities which are driven by financial challenges. Despite this, parents and guardians remain steadfast in the responsibility of steering their children toward opportunities for societal upliftment.
This is more profound in the provision of education and will continue to be something on which they will not compromise while often masking their sacrifices and formidable challenges with a protective smile. That smile, which hides the pain over the years, becomes one of unbridled joy when success is finally achieved, as evident following the announcement of the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE).
This year, too, the teachers and educators also are celebrating with the recorded increased pass rate and improved performances in a number of subjects at both exams. More importantly, there was an increase of candidates who registered to write the exams this year – a total of 10,368 candidates as compared to 9808 in 2021 for CSEC. Likewise, 68.5 per cent when compared to 66.3 per cent in 2021 for CSEC. CAPE increased to 93.22 per cent this year while the pass rate was 90.86 per cent for 2021.
For those whose achievements propelled them into the national spotlight, their academic brilliance will become added inspiration for those who will subsequently strive to emulate them. Importantly, for those whose parents or guardians battled against the odds for their realisation, the achievements embody the many elements of their sacrifices as they become overtaken by pride and tears of joy.
That feeling of success unfolding buries the uncertainty of the outcome which might have prevailed during the process. Not only parents make sacrifices, but the students too. While it may pale in comparison, when the students speak of their own sacrifices consciously made in a world that is not short of lure and distraction, some are quite aware of what their parents faced in the process, and often that in itself galvanises and intensifies the efforts for a successful outcome, bringing added value to it.
All must, therefore, be commended: students, parents, guardians, teachers, and all those who contributed. In addition to the sacrifices and the hard work, success took commitment, diligence, and the ability to remain focused. The pride transcends that circle and is felt by all, as those once unknown to the masses are catapulted into the national glare.
However, there is still much distance to travel for the final dreams to be realised. Much may not change in terms of what it will take. If anything, something may be added – the weight of the expectation of a nation.
As these young and brilliant minds step into the next phase of their academic life, those who had not made it into the spotlight must not be forgotten. Many, and those around them, would have made similar sacrifices with similar dreams. It’s a natural part of life, and they will also be entering another phase. They must be encouraged, and not belittled. They must be inspired, and not disappointed in the success of their peers; for new opportunities would beckon.
As the world continues in its technological evolution and as competitiveness heightens, all will need to be adequately prepared as they inevitably enter the work sphere. This in itself dictates holistic preparation with the aim of increasing that success base to meet the growing demands of this competitive environment.
