Linden Fund USA and Elite Kayaking and Nature Tours came together on Tuesday to celebrate the academic achievements of Region 10’s National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) top performers by hosting a “Bursary Award and All-Expenses paid Day Tour” in celebration of Tourism Awareness Month.
Regional Educational Officer (REDO), Nigel Richards; Deputy Mayor of Linden, Wainright Bethune; and Chief Executive Officer of Elite Kayaking and Nature Tours, Dr. Deon Anderson were among the officials present.
The partnership between the two organisations saw each student being awarded a financial bursary, a certificate of recognition, a trophy and a full kayaking day tour and nature expedition, followed by lunch at the Watooka Guest House.
This unique coupling is the first of its kind, awarding students financially while paying homage to Tourism Awareness month currently being celebrated across Guyana. The parents of the students were also invited to be part of the celebrations.
In his remarks, the REDO extended thanks to lead organisations for awarding the top achievers. He also congratulated the students for enduring the challenges of the school in the midst of a pandemic but coming out on the list of the top achievers for Region Number 10.
He further encouraged them to stay focused and respectful as they move onwards in whatever areas they will be attending school. These wishes were then built on by the Deputy Mayor who encouraged the students to stay on top as they venture into secondary level. He congratulated them on their performance in achieving the top performances and making not only their parents proud, but the community, and their teachers as well.
For his part, Dr. Anderson spoke about three D’s of Success: Discipline, Dedication and Determination. He encouraged them to remain committed to the task as they strive continually for excellence and shared an anecdotal story of a seed destined for greatness. “No matter what the circumstances, remember this: Never give up on yourself. Be Disciplined, be dedicated, be Determined and you will surely achieve success,” he told the students.
The day then progressed with the students and their parents being treated by Elite Kayaking & Nature Tours to a day of “Adventure within a City” as they experienced a full Kayaking Tour in observance of Tourism Awareness Month. The students were able to explore the beautiful sand hills of Linden, Kayak across the amazing blue lakes and glide through the perfect rainforest setting of the Kara Kara Creek. Lifeguards and life vests were provided throughout the entire tour, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all attendees at the event. The tour was followed by lunch at the iconic Heritage Site – The Watooka Guest House where they dined in fine style and relaxed to the pleasantries of the environment.
Linden Fund USA/LFU Guyana Inc said it is extremely grateful for the partnership with Elite Kayaking and Nature Tours to award and celebrate the regions’ top performers. Both organisations are keen to build the relationship, to find innovative ways of celebrating excellence within the region while showcasing some of the most unique sceneries and captivating moments of the beautiful town of Linden.
