“We Are Rooting for You”: Minister Parag Rallies 15,938 Students as NGSA 2026 Commences
By: Marvin Cato | HGP Nightly News|
DIAMOND, EAST BANK DEMERARA — The atmosphere at the New Diamond-Grove Primary School was one of high energy and nervous excitement on Wednesday morning as 15,938 students across Guyana began the 2026 National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA). Minister of Education Sonia Parag, accompanied by parents and ministry officials, joined a vibrant “cheer squad” to support the 154 pupils sitting the exams at the East Bank location.
The two-day assessment, which concludes today, serves as the primary placement examination for secondary education in Guyana.
Preparation Meets Opportunity: The “Math Tents” Strategy
Minister Parag expressed high confidence in this year’s cohort, citing the government’s aggressive rollout of academic interventions over the past several months.
- Targeted Support: The Minister highlighted the success of the nationwide “Math Tents” and specialized NGSA camps, which grouped students to work with subject-matter specialists in areas identified as historically challenging.
- Digital Integration: Parag noted that she personally monitored several virtual classes and was impressed by the high level of engagement from students utilizing the Ministry’s online resources and the iMatter support tools.
- Resource Distribution: Every student sitting the 2026 exam was provided with a comprehensive set of textbooks, past papers, and learning materials to ensure a level playing field between coastal and hinterland regions.
Future Reforms: The 2027 Numeracy Assessment
While encouraging the current Grade Six students, Minister Parag also looked ahead to deeper structural reforms aimed at improving long-term academic outcomes.
- Early Intervention: Following the implementation of literacy assessments for Grades 2 and 4, the Minister announced that a National Numeracy Assessment will be launched in 2027.
- Strengthening the Foundation: This move is intended to catch mathematical learning gaps years before students reach the NGSA level, ensuring a stronger transition into secondary-level STEM subjects.
- Teacher Training: Ongoing curriculum improvements at the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) are also being tailored to better equip new teachers to handle the evolving needs of the primary school system.
As the 15,000-plus students tackle their final papers today, the sentiment remains one of national unity. For Minister Parag, the sight of parents turning out in “cheer squads” was a testament to the community’s commitment to education. “I wish I could have been at all of the schools,” she remarked, “but nonetheless, I want to wish all of our children writing exams all the best.” With the exams concluding this afternoon, the focus will soon shift to the marking process and the placement of the next generation of Guyana’s leaders.
