By Sue-Ann Wayow
AFTER two years of lockdowns and remote learning, Secondary Entrance Assessment (SEA) pupils from the Mayaro/Rio Claro region were recognised and celebrated for their hard work.
For the past 20 years, the Mayaro Past Pupils Association (MPPA) has honoured pupils who sit the examination from the southwestern communities. The annual event aims to encourage and motivate students in the community and environs to continue striving for success. One of the main sponsors, Bmobile in a press release said that all received hampers, products and gifts from several sponsors.
Additionally, 20 top performers were selected from Mayaro and ten from Rio Claro based schools and those received special prizes and awards.
President of the MPPA Oliver Alexander led this year’s function.
In thanking Bmobile, Alexander said, it has been long standing partner and thanked them for gaming devices provided.
“Many of these children did not have the benefit of a graduation ceremony, so this was it. And that gaming set-up was a celebration for these kids,” he said.
Anjanie Ramesar-Soom of the Corporate, Environmental, Social & Reputation Management team at TSTT said, “Mayaro is a community that is near and dear to our hearts. We are proud to support the work of the MPPA and their awards and to see that it is a source of motivation for the students each year. We were also happy to bring some fun, excitement and joy to the awards through the provision of entertainment for the attendees on the day. Mr. Alexander and the team at the MPPA continue to do a stellar job each year and we continue to support their vision of improvement in education for the Rio Claro and Mayaro communities,”
Pupils also experienced the launch of the MPPA Cultural Program, showcasing three pupils playing tassa. The equipment was recently purchased for the community and there will be a program to teach tassa.
Alexander said, “We also plan to expand into the pan and the Moko Jumbie art form. We understand that not every student will be academically inclined, and even those who enjoy extracurricular activities can participate too. So, we plan to expand our cultural program and bring teachers of these art forms right here so that our children in the area can benefit.”
The attendees were also inspired by the testimony of a victim of attempted filicide by her father.
Now a teacher, Sarah Siewchan-Rajkoomar encouraged them to battle the odds despite their circumstances.
The MPPA also launched its Back-to-School Book Drive, which will help students with books, stationery, uniforms and more.
Persons who wish to contribute may directly assist a child or make a general donation.
The MPPA can be contacted at 685-1136 (Oliver Alexander) or 486-5085 (Neil Ramlal), and direct donations can be made to their bank account at Republic Bank (Mayaro Branch) via Account # 470 800 586 501.
The MPPA is a registered Non-Governmental Organisation
