-Congratulate top achievers
His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, in a heartfelt congratulatory message to the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) pupils and their parents, reminded everyone that, regardless of whether they were placed in their preferred school, the examination does not determine the success of their future.
President Ali explained that the overwhelming majority of the NGSA children are merely 11 or 12 years old, with their entire future and endless possibilities still ahead of them.
He stated that the purpose of the examination is not to establish superiority among students but rather to serve as an early assessment in a child’s educational journey.
The father of two and the President of Guyana also expressed to parents that, while it is natural to hold high expectations for their children, their primary responsibility is to provide support and guidance to them.
He also added that it is their duty to help them understand that life is an ongoing journey marked by both significant achievements and inevitable moments of disappointment.
“[Our] young children received their National Grade Six Assessment results. To these children, I want you to remember that most of you are still 11 and 12 years old,” President Ali said.
You have your whole life ahead of you; this is not an exam to determine who is better than whom… Do not use this as the basis on which you determine your future.
To all the parents, I know that we all want the best and have the greatest expectations from our children, but our role is to nurture and help them understand that it is a continuous journey. One with moments of immense accomplishment and moments of disappointment.
At 11 and 12, I implore you not to pressure our children into believing this is the most defining moment of their lives.”
The importance of supporting every child
While commending the pupils who excelled in their examinations, President Ali urged teachers, elders, and all Guyanese to support every child and provide the encouragement necessary for them to feel included rather than isolated, especially during this time in their lives.
The president further stated that it is his belief that instead of being disappointed for not getting the expected school for their child, people ought to recognise that there is nothing wrong with some children who want to learn a skill or work in a field that is outside of the norm.
Furthermore, President Ali reassured every parent and child that the government continues to invest in schools across the nation to ensure that, regardless of which school a child attends, the quality of education will meet the highest standards.
According to him, the quality of education at the best school in the parents’ minds is the same as the quality of education at every school across the country.
He also noted that in order to ensure that the journey is supported by policies and initiatives that provide the children with the same level of equity. That is, every child can have access to the same labs, technical education, teaching quality, and learning materials.
President Ali expressed his pride in the significant improvements across all subject areas, indicating that the investment has delivered the anticipated results and enhanced capability and capacity.
However, he stated that today (Wednesday, 25th, 2025) is not the day to focus on policies but rather a day to celebrate all the NGSA pupils.
“This message is for all our children who sat this exam. I want all of you to know that you are equally loved. I want all of you to know that every one of you has an equal stake in this country; this day is not your defining moment.
You are still young children, and I want you to know that as your president, I am so proud of all of you. I want you all to recommit yourselves to doing the best you can do for yourself, to be the best you can be for yourself,” President Ali related in an inspiring message.
Additionally, the President emphasised that all children are provided with equal educational opportunities and reassured parents that this is not a time for demoralisation or lowering one’s shoulders.
This is the opportunity to elevate each child and demonstrate unconditional affection to them. This opportunity allows the children of Guyana to recognise that the future is bright and that their unique paths are just beginning, the president added.
