The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) commenced the runoff of the third edition of the Standards in Academia Quiz Competition for Primary schools across the country. The GNBS in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, hosted the first of the regional quizzes at the La Grange Primary School, in Region #3.
Schools that participated in the Region #3 competition were La Grange Primary, Belle West Primary, Winsor Forest Primary and Meten-Meer-Zorg Primary. La Grange Primary emerged as the winner and is set to meet winners from the other regions in the finals on May 28, 2024. During this year’s competition, grade five pupils of four Primary Schools within Regions 3, 4, 5, 6 and Georgetown are slated to participate.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the competition, GNBS Head of Corporate Communications, Mr. Lloyd David stated, “the objective of the competition is to provide pupils at the primary level (as well as their teachers) with the opportunity to become educated on the concepts of standards and quality and the principles of measurements and how these can be applied in their daily lives.” Mr. David added “Understanding the relevance of standards and reliable measurements at an early age will ensure that our young people in Guyana appreciate the importance of these active life concepts long before they become businessmen and women, active consumers, and leaders in society.”
Meanwhile, representing the Department of Education Region #3, Education Officer, Mr. Netram Doobay lauded the efforts of the GNBS in hosting the quiz competition. Mr. Doobay stated that the competition showcases the skills and knowledge of the pupils. He added, “One of the core values of the Ministry of Education is collaboration and the competition provides collaboration and participation and the GNBS is making education meaningful for pupils.” The Education Officer also emphasized that the opportunity provides pupils with personal growth as well as development which will foster life skill development as they progress through life.
As part of the initiative, a booklet was developed, and copies were provided to participating schools ahead of the competition for pupils to study along with their teachers. Information contained in the booklet includes details about GNBS and its services, the use and benefits of standards, measurements, and the International System of units.
The Standards in Academia Competition is biennial event, which was first hosted in 2018, then in 2022 and now in 2024. Weekly competitions with schools within the selected regions will continue until the final at the end of May, 2024.