… another 45 plus to receive cash grants
Five students, who performed exceptionally well at the 2021 National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA), were each presented with a cheque of $50,000 and a lap top when the Guyana Public Service Co-operative Credit Union (GPSCCU) hosted its annual Bursary Awards on Friday.
The awardees are: Jada Persaud, Shabaka Yisrael, Ethan Major, Malea Rampersaud, and Dollyann Holder.
In offering congratulations to the recipients, who are children of members of the co-op society, GPSCCU Chairman Trevor Benn said the credit union was pleased to celebrate the achievements of the students, who would one day become leaders.
Benn said in excess of 20 years, GPSCCU has been contributing to the educational development of its members’ children through bursaries, and 2021 is no exception.
“During this period, we have given out more than 600 bursaries to different students,” he pointed out while noting that some of the beneficiaries are now professionals in different fields such as Education, Health and Law among others.
It was noted that of the 600 bursaries distributed, 400 were presented to students within the last two years. Benn explained that the increase in bursaries within the two-year period was in response to the challenges parents and children continue to face as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Climate Change and a number of social issues.
He noted that while five students were present during Friday’s award ceremony, a total of 50 students will benefit from the contributions of the co-op society in the form of a $50,000 cash grant. Additionally, 16 past top awardees who continue to excel academically, will receive continuous support in keeping with a commitment made in 2018.
“It is our intention at the Guyana Public Service Cooperative Credit Union to continue to contribute to the improvement of the lives of our members. Our members are why we are here, and without them there will be no credit union, and they have worked with us through the good times, and through the bad times,” Benn said.
In his address, Chief Education Officer (CEO), Dr. Marcel Hutson applauded the efforts of the credit union for its continuous push to contribute to the development of the nation’s children.
He said while some persons believe that education delivery is the sole responsibility of the Ministry of Education or teachers, everyone has a role to play. He said GPSCCU, over the years, has not shied away from its social responsibility.
He urged the students to play their part by remaining focus on their education as they enter High School. However, he warned, that it will not be an easy task as there maybe challenges. Dr. Huston pointed out that as a child growing up in East Ruimveldt he encountered many challenges, but with the help of his parents, who placed great emphasis on education, he was able to succeed despite not having enough many days.
“It has nothing to do with where you came from; it has everything to do with your determination to do well, and your persistence,” he told the students.
Further the CEO encouraged the students to work hard, respect authority and be honest. “Hard work will pay off,” he said.
On behalf of the recipients, Jada Persaud expressed appreciation to the credit union its investment in their lives.
