Six outstanding teachers from the primary and secondary levels were honoured as Region 6 ‘Teachers of the Year’ awardees when the nine cricket teams of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, MS, and Demerara Mutual Life Assurance Society (DMLAS) hosted their first-ever “Region 6 Teacher of the Year” programme.
The six teachers pose with Mr Clarence Perry of DMLAS and Mayor Vijai Ramoo
Three of the awardees were honoured for teaching the top three Grade 6 students in Region 6, while the remaining three were recognised for their tutoring of secondary school students at the 2017 CSEC examinations.
Long-serving Club Secretary/CEO, Hilbert Foster, hailed the event as another historic moment in the outstanding history of the Club, and disclosed that, over the last 27 years, no other NGO or sports club has impacted the lives of youths like this Club.
Teachers, Foster said, are the unsung heroes of the education system, although the emphasis is always on students. He noted that the Club has always honoured outstanding teachers with programmes such as the Bank of Nova Scotia’s “Tribute to Teachers” and “Tribute to Retired Teachers”, and ANSA McAL’s “Award of Excellence” and “Tribute to Head Teachers”, among other programmes.
The Club’s contribution to education includes the awarding of educational scholarships; sponsorship of educational competitions; distribution of school bags, exercise books, footwear and uniforms to less fortunate students; assistance to schools; outstanding students’ award scheme; television commercials; Summer Camps, and publication of youth review magazines and youth information booklets.
Foster has said the objectives of the award scheme were to identify and honour outstanding teachers; to inspire teachers in Region 6 to aim for the highest standard; and to provide role models for younger teachers.
The six awardees were selected by the Region 6 Department of Education. The top teachers at the primary level were: Yamanie Jaiprasad of Belvedere Primary, adjudged the most outstanding; Karamand Ramash of Sheet Anchor Primary, and Kamlawattie Sooknanan of All Saints Primary being the 1st and 2nd runners-up.
Ms. Malini Dilraj of Tagore Secondary copped the “best secondary school teacher” award; with Shenelly Kendall and Cordicia Grimmond of Berbice High School being the respective runners-up.
Foster urged all the teachers to uphold their high standards and to be the best role models to their students.
He also disclosed that the event would be an annual one, with plans to include a nursery school award programme. The top teachers would be featured in a special television documentary.
Rose Hall Town Mayor Vijai Ramoo praised the Club for the outstanding work it has done, and urged the large gathering of students to be respectful of their teachers. Regional Educational Officer Ms. Volita Jaikishun hailed the awards scheme as a great incentive for teachers, and noted that teaching is the profession that creates other professions as she hailed the visionary planning of the two entities.
Marketing Manager of Demerara Mutual Life Assurance Society, Clarence Perry, said the company enjoys a large amount of business from teachers, and as such was delighted to be associated with the programme.
Perry noted that the company strongly believes in education as the foundation of a successful life; and as such, it is always important to honour those who educate our youths.
The insurance company would work along with the club to expand the programme in 2018, he disclosed as he praised the Club for the role it is playing in making a positive difference in the lives of others.
Winners in each of the categories received $100,000.00; the 1st runners-up received $50,000.00 each; and the 2nd runners-up were awarded $25,000.00 each. Besides, each awardee received a trophy, medal of excellence, and a framed certificate of honour.
The nine cricket teams arranging the event were Poonai Pharmacy Under-13, Farfan & Mendes Under-15, Bakewell Under-17 and Second Division, Pepsi Under-19 and Intermediate, Metro Females, Gizmos & Gadgets Under-21 and First Division.
