Region Two education dept celebrates academic excellence

The Region Two Department of Education on Thursday hosted a grand awards ceremony to honour outstanding students, teachers, and educators who excelled in academic performance across various levels.
The event, which was held at the Anna Regina Secondary School auditorium, recognised top performers at the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA), CSEC, and CAPE examinations, as well as outstanding graduates from the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) and the Management Certificate Programme.
The ceremony celebrated the achievements of students who gained places at national schools, top CSEC and CAPE achievers from secondary institutions, and exceptional teachers and officers who continue to raise the standard of education within the region.
Delivering remarks, Regional Education Officer (REdO) Shondelle Hercules commended the collective efforts of teachers, parents, and administrators whose dedication contributed to the region’s remarkable improvement in academic results.
“Region Two continues to demonstrate that we are a results-driven region. Our students’ success is a reflection of the hard work, commitment, and determination of our headteachers, teachers, parents, and the wider education fraternity,” Hercules stated.
She highlighted that the Department of Education has been implementing several intervention programmes at the primary level to boost the performance of Grade Six pupils ahead of the 2026 National Grade Six Assessment. The initiatives, she said, are already yielding positive outcomes.

According to Hercules, the region recorded significant improvements in the 2025 NGSA results compared to the previous year. Mathematics improved from 40 per cent in 2024 to 54 per cent in 2025, English from 59 per cent to 66 per cent, Science from 48 per cent to 58 per cent, and Social Studies from 56 per cent to 60 per cent. The overall pass rate moved from 38 per cent to 50 per cent, with 55 per cent of the region’s pupils earning placements at national schools.
The Regional Education Officer also commended the Department’s success in advancing infrastructural and educational development within the region. She announced that the 2026 education budget has been completed and submitted to the Regional Executive Officer (REO), the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Finance.
Among the highlights, Hercules reported that four new modernised schools are under construction, including new nursery and secondary schools, while maintenance and rehabilitation works are ongoing across several nursery, primary, and secondary institutions. Upgrades are also underway at the Aurora Secondary and New Wakapao Secondary dormitories.
In addition, ten school boats and fourteen engines were approved for distribution, aimed at improving school accessibility for hinterland and riverine students. More than 2000 new furniture pieces and learning resources have been distributed, while each school received grants to support school operations and learning programmes.
The Department also reintegrated 32 students through its School Welfare Unit and completed several community outreach initiatives, including literacy exhibitions, breast cancer awareness walks, and tree-planting exercises.
Hercules extended appreciation to all stakeholders, including the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), the Regional Executive Officer Susan Saywack, education officers, headteachers, and literacy committees for their continued partnership. She also recognised Boadnarine Harrinarine, coordinator of the awards ceremony, Parmanand Singh, and others who contributed to the success of the event.
“We at the Department of Education are truly grateful for the tremendous support from all quarters. I urge everyone to continue being agents of positive change as we strive for excellence in education,” Hercules said in closing.
Meanwhile, Regional Chairman Devin Mohan, in his feature address, lauded the Department of Education and the teaching fraternity for their unwavering commitment to improving educational outcomes in Region Two.
“The continuous improvement in school infrastructure, the introduction of modern teaching resources, and the implementation of innovative programmes all reflect our shared vision of providing every child, regardless of background, with equal access to quality education,” Mohan stated.
He reaffirmed the Regional Democratic Council’s commitment to supporting the education sector and fostering people-centred leadership that prioritises inclusivity, accountability, and progress.
“Education is the foundation upon which sustainable regional development is built. To all the awardees, your hard work and determination are commendable. You have made your families, schools, and region proud,” the Regional Chairman expressed.
Awardees were presented with trophies, plaques, certificates and gift bags in recognition of their outstanding contributions to education and academic excellence in the Pomeroon-Supenaam region.