KAIETEUR NEWS: More than 400 students of Guyana’s premier educational institution, President’s College, are expected to benefit in the very near future from a $9.5M Information Technology project, which comes as part of the collaboration between the Government of Guyana and the European Union.
According to Chairman of the school’s Parent/Teachers Association (PTA), Dr Simpson Da Silva, the venture, which is being called a Youth Information Technology Project, is being significantly funded by the 9th European Development Fund.

He said that, at a simple signing ceremony held on Friday, a contract was signed between the parties concerned.
As part of the contractual agreement, Dr DaSilva related, the Guyana Micro-Projects Programme was selected to execute the programme through the PTA.
He said that, with a massive grant of $7.1M from the EU and the remaining $2.4 M which will soon be generated, the project will be undertaken over a three-month period, with the PTA assisting the President’s College Board of Governors in the effective repositioning of the school towards sustainable development.
He noted that in excess of 20 brand new computers will be procured for a computer centre at the school, with a view to enhancing students’ education as it relates to agriculture, mathematics, science, and the arts.
Great emphasis, he said, will also be placed on helping students learn leadership skills.
According to Dr Da Silva, the PTA intends to revitalise, through Information Technology, the student council, which he regarded as a good investment.
He said that, “Through them running the student council with this e-readiness concept, it will equip them with the requisite knowledge…to make informed decisions in the future…”
But, in order to ensure that students will be properly educated, there will also be the need for teachers to be exposed to more in-depth Information Technology training, Dr Da Silva asserted.
He pointed out that the venture is geared at revolutionising the methods of teaching mathematics, science and the arts, with the aid of technology, making science fun and using innovative hands-on approaches that stimulate curiosity.
This, he said, will only be achievable by undertaking research to enhance the teaching of the subjects, in order to provide students with a foundation for good practice, and to develop integrated approaches to learning for development.
By integration, the Chairman explained, a link is likely to be established between President’s College and primary level schools, and with that of tertiary institutions as well as private and public bodies.
In essence, Dr Da Silva pointed out, the Youth Information Technology Project will serve as a catalyst for development, thereby enhancing the quality of life of the students and other beneficiaries in several areas.
In fact, he noted, it could even address the issues of poverty reduction, the delivery of public information, leadership, governance, the rule of law, transparency, and even accountability.
But even after the three-month period of the project, the Information Technology Project at President’s College will continue to thrive as a natural part of the school, and even the community, he assured.
As the funds subside, it is anticipated that the project will seek a minimum of 25 per cent operational profit in all aspects of development, a process which will be done purely along business lines, paying attention to such ratios as the return on sales and return on investment.
The stakeholders believe that the possibilities for replication of such a project cannot be over-emphasised, even though the project is expected to fulfil the requirements as a demonstration knowledge centre.
But, even as these strides are being made, the education system in Guyana is constantly challenged by the need to maintain a high level of literacy while ensuring that the national curriculum is taught, Dr Da Silva disclosed.
He noted, though, that the Ministry of Education has implemented various initiatives to introduce information technology into primary and secondary schools, as part of larger projects to improve the education system.
These include the Primary Education Improvement Project, the Guyana Education Access Project, and the Secondary Schools Reform Project.
Currently, the ministry is working on another project, which will increase the support for using information technology in schools, thus the centre can serve as a model of how resources can be garnered to improve access, connectivity, use, and promulgation among students.

CXC Secondary Examination Certificate, the examination common to most Caribbean territories and one of the most important examinations in our region. The 2008 CSEC top student at President’s College is the charming and intelligent Nareefa Nasrudeen who gained 11 grade ones in the following subjects; Biology, Chemistry, English A, English B, Food and Nutrition, Mathematics, Physics, Social Studies, Spanish, Human and Social Biology and Information Technology. Nasrudeen, presently on vacation in Canada, was contacted via email and this is what she had to say, “It is a privilege and an honor for me to be among the top achievers in Guyana and I am extremely proud to be an excellent representation for President’s College. It took hard work, dedication
and a lot of sacrifices to achieve this honor. Firstly I would like to thank God for making this possible. I am sincerely thankful to all the teachers of PC. Without their teachings and guidance, I would not have attained this wonderful accomplishment.

I would also like to share this joy and give special recognition to my mother, Zamin Nasrudeen, who supported and encouraged me all the way, to my friends Fizal and Amir who volunteered their time to help me with my studies and a heartfelt thanks to all my friends for their support.”

The list continues… Tiffany Asregaddo, from the county of Berbice, gained 10 grade ones and 2 grade twos. She gained grade ones in English A, Home Management, Integrated Science, Mathematics, Office Administration, Principles of Accounts, Principles of Business, Social Studies, Electronic Documentation Preparation Management and Information Technology. Asregaddo who aspires to be a chartered
accountant, gained grade twos in English B and Spanish. When asked
how she felt about her results, she commented saying that she was
surprised, but was disappointed with the grade twos, yet she was
satisfied. Asregaddo urges those students who are preparing for
future examinations to stay focused and study hard.

Mellissa Hector, example of Beauty and Brain power, managed to secure,
like Asregaddo, 10 grade ones and 2 grade twos. This aspiring Doctor
gained grade ones in Agricultural Science Double Award, Biology,
Chemistry, English A, English B, Mathematics, Physics, Physical
Education, Human and Social Biology and Information Technology. Grade
twos in French and Geography. Mellissa enjoys watching television,
studying and reading. Her advice to other students is never waste
time and always make the best use of it. Hector wishes to thank the
entire President’s College Family for assisting her in accomplishing
everything she has achieved.

Coming all the way from Region 2 on the Essequibo Coast, Leselle
Whyte, an aspiring Psychologist accomplished 7 grade ones, 1 grade two
and 1 grade three. “Oh my God”, was all she kept repeating upon
receiving her results. Whyte gained grade ones in: Agricultural
Science Double Award, Biology, English A, Mathematics, Social Studies,
Physical Education and Human and Social Biology; grade two in English
B; grade three in Information Technology. Whyte also stated that she
is relieved now that she knows how well she did and urges other
students to study hard, since there are seldom second chances to
correct unnecessary mistakes. She wishes to thank God, her parents
and all the teachers of President’s College, especially Mrs Y.
Chichester.

An aspiration of becoming a Doctor, Joanne Beejaimal, of Berbice, was
thankful for acquiring 6 grade ones and 4 grade twos. This beautiful
and talented individual who enjoys dancing obtained grade ones in;
English A, Mathematics, Social Studies, Physical Education, Human and
Social Biology and Information Technology; grade twos in Biology,
Chemistry, English B and Physics. Even though Beejaimal was surprised
with her results, she expected nothing less, since her hard work and
dedication to her studies, have now paid off. She advises not only
students but all individuals to set their priorities and keep focused
on their goals.

All work and no play make jack a dull boy. Living truth, Richard
Mohandatt, one of President’s College’s Basketball Superstars, who
also participated in several other sports at the Institution, excelled
at the examinations to prove that Education and Co-curricular
activities go hand in hand. Mohandatt gained 6 grade ones and 3 grade
twos. This young and talented individual with the goal of becoming a
Civil Engineer, obtained grade ones in Integrated Science,
Mathematics, Social Studies, Physical Education, Woods and Information
Technology; grade twos in English A, Physics and Technical Drawings.
Richard urges other students to always trust in God and work hard for
whatever their endeavors may be.

“I am very happy and surprised”, is what Rae-Dawn Corbin had to say
about her results. Corbin gained 6 grade ones in; Integrated Science,
Mathematics, Office Administration, Principles of Accounts, Social
Studies and Information Technology; 2 grade twos in Principles of
Business and Home Management; and 1 grade three in English A.
Rae-Dawn, who enjoys listening to music and surfing the Internet,
urges students never to give up or allow others to discourage them.
Corbin is thankful to the teachers of President’s College, her brother
and her mother.

Talented is just one word to describe Sewcharran Narine. Narine
gained 6 grade ones and 2 grade twos. He acquired grade ones in
Agricultural Science Double Award, Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics,
Human and Social Biology and Information Technology; grade twos in
Geography and English A. Narine was unable to be contacted for an
interview at the time of this article.

Cricket, Swimming and Communicating are just some of the hobbies of
Andrew Metzger, an aspiring Architect. He was very surprised and
stated that he didn’t know he had the ability to perform so well.
This intelligent individual gained 5 grade ones in Integrated Science,
Mathematics, Physical Education, Woods and Information Technology, 3
grade twos in English A, Physics and Technical Drawing and 1 grade 3
in Geography. Metzger advices other students to always strive for
excellence and try your best in everything that you do.

Jeremy Rathanum copped the number 10 spot at President’s College. He
gained, liked Metzger, 5 grade ones in Mathematics, Technical Drawing,
Physical Education, Electrical and Electronic Technology and
Information Technology; 3 grade twos in Chemistry, English A and
Physics; and 1 grade three in Geography. Rathanum was unavailable for
comments at the time of this article.

President’s College, the School of Excellence, where everything is possible, gained 100% passes 15 subjects at the CSEC Examinations; Agricultural Science, Biology, Chemistry, Clothing & Textile, Food & Nutrition, Home Economic Management, Integrated Science, Social Studies, Technical Drawing, Visual Drawing, Electrical Document Preparation Management, Physical Education, Human & Social Biology, Building Technology (woods)and Electrical & Electronic Technology.
Information Technology 94.6%, Caribbean History 83%, Economics 66.67%, English A 92.6%, French 66.67%, Geography 83.33%, Mathematics 80.76%, Office Administration 94.44%, Physics 92.86%, Principles of Accounts 77.78%, Principles of Business 88.23% and Spanish 66.67%

The percentage passed of students gaining five (5) and above subjects
with grades 1 to 3 is 98.15%

Indeed, President’s College has done well.

The intelligent minds at President’s College also excelled at this
year’s CAPE examinations. The Caribbean Advanced Proficiency
Examination is an examination for the students who want to take a step
forward in their academic career. Some of the same subjects that are
offered at the CSEC level are offered at CAPE with the addition of
others. The Examination required more work from the students and
assists them in preparing for University life. For an individual to
pass at the CAPE level he/she must acquire grade ranging from grade 1
to grade 5.

Toping President’s College this year at the CAPE Examination is Shane
Pearce, a well talented individual with a striking combination of
humor and intelligence. This aspiring Computer Specialist, when is not
studying enjoys any computer related activity and athletics. Pearce,
who top President’s College Lower Six program last year, returns to
the spot this year. He gain 2 grade ones in Computer Science unit 2
and Communication Studies, 1 grade 3 in Applied Mathematics unit 1 and
1 grade 5 in Physics unit 1. Pearce said that he is extremely happy
with his results and wishes to thank God, cause without his
intervention his accomplishments would not have been possible and all
the teachers at President’s College especially Mrs. Y. Chichester, Mr.
O. Moses, Mrs. C. Joseph and Mr. A. St. Clair. Special thanks to Mr.
Skeete of St. Stanislaus College for assisting him to reach the top.
Also, he wishes to thank his mother and other members of his family
whose continued encouragements motivated him. He plans to continue
his studies in Computer Science. Pearce wishes to advise other
students to always put their best foot forward and keep focused at all
times.

“I am grateful to God”, is what Rushanna Marks said after receiving
her results. She is also thankful to her family and all the teachers
of Presidents College and also to Mr. Hawke and Ms C. Maison. Marks
said she was surprised and very satisfied with her grades. She gained
grade one in Law unit 2, grade twos in Law unit 1 and Sociology unit 2
and grade 3 in Communication Studies. Marks wishes to advise other
students to always aim for the sky in whatever they do. She also
aspires to be a criminal defense Lawyer.

Copping the school’s next spot is one of the Guyana’s best debaters,
Neilson McKenzie. McKenzie like Marks plans to be a criminal Lawyer.
He stated that he is happy with his results but a bit disappointed
since he had wanted to do better. McKenzie gained 1 grade one in
Communication Studies, 2 grade twos in Law unit 1 and Sociology unit 2
and 1 grade 3 in Law unit 2. McKenzie who enjoys choreographing
dances wishes to advise other students to never give up and always
remember the sky is the limit. He wishes to thank his Parents, God,
Ms. Claude Samuel, Mr. Hawke, Ms Maison and all the other teachers at
President’s College.

In the Lower Six Level at President’s College, topping the list is
Patricee Douglas who obtained 4 subjects. Douglas plans to study to
be a Gynecologist. She gained 1 grade one in Biology Unit 1, 2 grade
twos in Caribbean Studies and Environmental Science and 1 grade 3 in
Chemistry. Douglas wishes to thank God for answering her prayers and
for giving her the opportunity to shine. She also acknowledges her
teachers at President’s College, especially Mrs. Y. Chichester. She
advises other students to study hard and always trust in Jesus.

Studying to be a Cardiologist, Joshua Ramah, an intelligent and dedicated student gained 3 subjects at the CAPE examination. He gained 1 grade one in Environmental Science, and 2 grade twos in Biology and Caribbean Studies. While Ramah isn’t studying he enjoys watching the television and listening music. He wishes to thank Mrs. Chichester, Ms Lin, his Parents and God for his success.

The percentage passed of students gaining 3 and above subjects with grades 1-5 is 92%

The percentage passed overall at President’s College for CAPE is 97.9%

At the CAPE Examinations, President’s College gained 100% passes in 24 subjects these include; Applied Mathematics Unit1, Biology Unit 1, Caribbean Studies, Communication Studies, Computer Science Unit 1, Economics Unit 1, Electrical and Electronic Technology Unit 1, Environmental Science, Food and Nutrition Unit 1, Geography Unit 1, History Unit 1, Information Technology Unit 1, Law Unit 1, Management of Business, Pure Mathematics, Physics Unit 1, Sociology Unit 1, Biology Unit 2, Chemistry Unit 2, Computer Science Unit 2, Food and Nutrition Unit 2, Law unit 2, Physics Unit 2, and Sociology Unit 2. The School gained 75% passes in Accounting Unit 1 and 70% in Chemistry Unit 1.

Judging from the results discussed above is evident that the most accomplished school at the 2008′s CXC Examinations is indeed President’s College. All the students are grateful for their successes and wishes to extend
gratitude to all the teachers of President’s College, without whom nothing could have been achieved.

Every parent wants the best for their children. So, parents, why not consider President’s College?
President’s College was the brainchild of the late President of Guyana, Mr. L.F.S. Burnham. President’s College was established to educate the youth of Guyana and to transform their minds and behaviour patterns into an intellectual and extraordinary device.

Students who attend President’s College are educated in a wide variety, which could not be if they attended another school. They are trained to be well rounded individuals, not only academically, but psychologically and socially.

The students at President’s College are required to live at the Institution, which I must say is an advantage to the students, the parents and the teachers.

The students benefit from being able to live amongst fellow colleagues, thus they develop a sense of responsibility and the interaction helps to develop their inter-person communication skills.

They are also not affected by the stress due to traveling to and from school every day. They also benefit from an excellent school’s curriculum, which is skillfully designed in such a way that the students do not need extra classes.

The school day at President’s College begins at 9:00hrs and finishes at 16:00hrs from Monday to Thursday, but on Fridays it finishes 14:15hrs, to facilitate students traveling home, if they desire. The students could stay in for the weekend.

The students will also benefit from the extended study period which is scheduled Monday through Thursday, from 7:00pm to 8:30pm. There are also dedicated teachers, who not only teach, but ensure that the students understand. The students also have access to the school’s library and the internet to do research.

Now, you parents can benefit too! You are not burdened with the need to acquire moneys for transportation or meals, since your child lives at the school, in a safe dormitory, protected by the campus security guards and the house-parents. The school will provide breakfast, lunch and dinner for the students as well.

All this is available to you child for only $1,000 per term, that is $3000 per year or $15,000 for your child’s entire secondary school life, or $18,000 if your child pursues the lower sixth programme or $21,000 if your child pursues the Upper Sixth Form Programme.

Compare this to the amount that you would have had to spend if you had chosen to send your child to another institution.

You might also be concerned about what happens if your child is ill? Well, rest assure that they will be in good hands, since the campus nurse is there to address any such illness.

Besides, school fees, if you desire, you can also give your child pocket money and snacks if they desire anything between the meals time, or for whatever may come up.

Also, there is the School’s Accounts Department, where the students can save money in their personal account.

I now refer to an article in the SN, where the parent of one of the top students in this year’s Grade Six examination stated that she would have to send her child to a school nearby, since she was not financially fit to send the child elsewhere.

President’s College will be the ideal school for this child.
You can be assured that you child will be getting the best school experience in the Caribbean.

Teachers will benefit also, by having some of the most brilliant minds in their classroom. No teacher knows everything, so they as well as the students will learn from each other, thus there is a win, win situation.

The teachers would not have to deal with the unnecessary interruptions due to the late arrival of students to the class, since the students live on campus.

The benefits that President’s college, The School or Excellence, have to offer out weighs those of any other school in Guyana, by a great margin.

Our founder, Mr. L.F.S. Burnham, attended Queen’s College, yes; therefore he noticed what the school lacked and he made President’s College to be everything QC is and much more.

So parents, President’s College has so many benefits that are too numerous to mention, therefore send your child/children and let them experience the touch of excellence. Students, see you September. At President’s College, we can, we must, we will!
Shane Pearce,
Past Student

PC, the defending champions, registered a narrow two-point win with 571 points over Christ Church’s 569. PC’s representatives Esther Kursatte, Leron Jackman and Hannah Latchman and Christ Church’s Michael Graham, Charistel Cummings and Jeanna Pearson spoke on topics such as unemployment and youth, the importance of volunteering to society, ways of making a child feel special, cruelty to animals, violence in schools and how to deal with a school bully.
The competition is being staged on a knock-out basis with each school with the higher aggregate score moving forward to the next round. It is being hosted every Tuesday and Thursday until the finals, set for May 29.

2. Best graduating CAPE student
Valline Ramotar – 3 grade ones, 1 grade two
2nd Best graduating CAPE student
George Hercules – 2 grade ones, 2 grade twos

3. Best Graduating GCE A level students
Fizal Hussein – 3 A’s and 1 B and 1 CAPE grade 2
Kumarie Kooseram – 3 A’s and 1B

Also, since the school was celebrating its 22^nd year of existence, the President’s College family had even more reason to celebrate.

In the year 2007, President’s College entered students for several examinations including the Caribbean Secondary Examination Certificate (CSEC), Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) and the General Certificate Examination (GCE). In all of the examinations that the school entered, a number of students were among the top performers in the country.

For the GCE, President’s College gained the top two spots in the country. These top performers were Fizal Hussein who wrote four subjects and gained grade ‘A’ in Pure Mathematics, ‘A’ in Biology, ‘A’ in Physics and ‘B’ in Chemistry. Then there was Kumarie Kooseram who also wrote four subjects and gained grade ‘A’ in Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry. Grade ‘B’ in Biology. There was also Linbert Lewis who gained five subjects and Kwesi Elliot who gained three subjects. In the Lower six classes there were Akua Alder got gained four subjects and Chandanee Straadhand and Allena Hercules with two subjects each.

President’s College continued to shine in the CAPE. The school also gained the top student for the country in this examination. The top performers were, Valline Ramotar who gained grades ‘1’ in Pure Mathematics, Accounts and Statistical Analysis. Ramotar also gained a grade ‘2’ in Communication Studies. Another top performer was George Hercules with grades ‘1’ in Communication Studies and Environmental Science and grades ‘3’ in Statistical Analysis and Geography. Lidon Charles and Stacey Goodings with five subjects each and Curlis James obtained four subjects. In the Lower Six class there was Shane Pearce who gained three subjects with two grades ‘2’ and a ‘3’.

The CSEC examination was another opportunity for the students of President’s College to showcase their talents. In this examination the schools gained places in the top twenty performers in the country. The top performer for the school was Ijaz Raffik who gained ten grade ones and four grade twos. He gained grades ‘1’ in English A, Chemistry, Human and Social Biology, Integrated Science, Physical Education, Information Technology, Social Studies and Agricultural Science Double Award. Grades ‘2’ in Spanish, Biology, English B and Physics. Other top performers were Amir Dillawar who gained 7 grades ones and five grades two, Tulsidai Bassoodeo with seven grade ones, four grade twos, a grade three and a grade four. Also there was Mellona Adrian, who gained five grade ones and four grade twos.

President’s College has definitely outdone itself this year. The school gained 100% passes in 12 CAPE subjects and an overall pass rate of 86.25%

This twenty-two year old institution has withstood its share of challenges and achievements gaining the top students in the Caribbean for CSEC in the year 2005, top CAPE student in year 2007 and top GCE students in year 2006 and 2007 and many other commendable achievements too exhaustible to mention.

These academic years were graced by the unwelcomed but unavoidable presence of the fire which consumed the male dormitory and the flood which suspended school for some time.

On the morning of the 11^th September 2007, the celebration was ushered by a march past which included both teachers and students proudly advertising their institution to the community even though not in words. This march pass was followed by the annual flag raising ceremony which officially commenced the activities planned for this day.

This celebration provided a wholesome opportunity for the students to display their talent and intelligence, which was skillfully depicted in their cultural presentations of songs, dances, drama and poetry showcasing ethnic unification and a rich cultural diversity.

This event was graced by the much honored presence of Dr. W. Da Silva, who was given a proposal to join the President’s College family and officially accepted. His speech was one of encouragement and urged the students of the College to work towards excelling in every possible way and not just academics; he further challenged the current fifth formers to pick up the baton and run with it making themselves, family and the school proud. He finished his speech leaving many minds to ponder.

A pictographic exhibition was displayed in the administrative building to highlight College’s achievement over the years.

This event was surely well celebrated since it did not all end indoors, the students and teachers took their overwhelming joy to the outdoors in a teacher-student cricket match and many other sporting activities. The day’s activities climaxed with the College mile run.