Children’s Mashramani 2025

As part of its mission to improve access to education, the Ministry of Education continues to create opportunities for students from across the country to gain a wide range of experiences and showcase their talents. The recently concluded Children’s Mashramani Competition saw participants from across the country, including hinterland and remote communities, competing in various crafts ranging from calypso to dramatic poetry, masquerade and dance. Even the children’s costume parade saw participants from several hinterland regions.

Region 7 dazzled audiences in their purple, gold and white costumes, symbolising peace, pride, harmony and strength, which, according to the Regional Education Officer (REdO), is what Region 7 is all about. REdO Samantha Phagoo-Singh expressed excitement to revel with the band in Georgetown. Similarly, Motilall Samaroo (REdO Region 8) shared his enthusiasm to be part of the band in the capital city. He cited the event as an excellent opportunity for hinterland students from Region 8 to gain new experiences and share their talents at a national event. Region 8’s band revelled under the theme “Expressing Culture and Creativity For All To See”, with a view to highlighting our country’s rich folklore, traditions and heritage. Education District 10 celebrated diversity through music with “Musicalistical Instruments”, a creative showcase of the musical instruments of each ethnic group.

Minister of Education Hon. Priya Manickchand made an appearance at the parade lauding it as a “fantastic Social Studies lesson for children”. Minister Manickchand explained, “That’s why we encourage children to come out. I saw a float with all the former presidents. That’s an entire topic for NGSA. So we try very hard to make sure education is fully integrated.” Regarding the ministry’s efforts to improve education access in Guyana, the Education Minister stated, “We have changed out what access looks like. Now you’re going to have secondary access where people could not dream of it. Two of the youngsters here, who are from the Amerindian dorms, are from a place called Karaudarnau, which is deep in the south of the Rupununi.” Moreover, Minister Manickchand noted, “Allied Arts is also leading off our Five Priorities Programme where we want every single high school child to exit school with… heavy exposure to at least one sport, one musical instrument, one TVET subject, a strong sense of volunteerism and at least one foreign language.”

The Unit of Allied Arts, which is responsible for the Children’s Mashramani Competitions, supported hinterland students who participated in the finals at the National Cultural Centre in Georgetown, by providing meals and accommodation. Head of the Unit of Allied Arts Nicholas Fraser spoke positively of the activities stating that, “It’s an opportunity for [hinterland students] to come and see the city, for them to come and see the majestic cultural centre, our premier institution for the theatre arts, and to perform on that very hallowed stage. So, I think that would be the major thing for them. Also, they would be able to meet some friends, make friends with persons who have similar interests like they have.”

National Events such as the Children’s Mashramani Competitions aim to offer Guyana’s youngest minds an integrated learning experience. The provisions made to ensure that hinterland students are able to participate in these activities alongside students from the coast and the capital city are a critical part of the ministry’s efforts to improve access to education.