The 2019 Children’s Mashramani Finals organised by the Unit of Allied Arts within the Ministry of Education started today at the National Cultural Centre before an audience of exuberant children, teachers, and parents.
This leg of the Children’s Mashramani Competitions follows weeks of competition that took place in the 11 education districts. The Finals are sponsored by Ansa McAl and the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI).
Today, February 14, 2019, children will be competing in the Dance and Masquerade categories in the five to seven, eight to 10, 11 to 13 and 14 to 17 categories.
Declaring the Finals open this morning was the Director of the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD), Ms. Jennifer Cumberbatch who represented the Minister of Education, Dr. the Hon. Nicolette Henry.
Ms. Cumberbatch said that the presence of the students at today’s competition connotes the quality of their performances at the district level and they should be acknowledged and commended. She said that the performances, whether they were from nursery or secondary children were spellbinding and impressive.
According to Ms. Cumberbatch, exploring a variety of different artistic endeavours, provides insight into the artistic process, the inspiration for different artworks and the ways artistic performances can have an impact on both the world and the individual.
“In order for an individual to reach their full creative potential, they need to listen to their feelings and spend time contemplating over them. Being in touch with how you feel can spark a wide variety of creativity,” Ms. Cumberbatch explained.
Meanwhile, Administrator of the Unit of Allied Arts, Ms. Lorraine Barker-King said that each year the celebration keeps getting bigger and that this can only be achieved through collaboration at all levels including the Education Ministry, corporate sponsors, the community, teachers and the children.
She thanked all the sponsors that would have supported the Children’s Mashramani Activities including the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) and Ansa McAl.
The beverage company is sponsoring both days of competition at the National Cultural Centre. According to Non-Alcoholic Beverages Brand Manager of Ansa McAl, Mr. Errol Nelson, the company for the second year is sponsoring the Finals and congratulated the Unit of Allied Arts for another successful hosting.
He said that the company recognises that the youths are the future leaders and is willing to always support events that contribute to their rounded development.
