After two years of lockdowns and distance learning, SEA students from the Mayaro/Rio Claro region were recognized and praised for their hard work. Youngsters also heard from speakers who motivated and encouraged them as they move into a new chapter in their academic lives.
For the past 20 years, the Mayaro Past Pupils Association (MPPA) has been honoring those taking the exam from the South West communities. The annual event aims to encourage and motivate young people in the community and surrounding areas to continue striving for success. The guests of honor all received hampers, products and gifts from several sponsors. Twenty best performers were chosen from Mayaro and ten from schools based in Rio Claro and they received special prizes and awards.
Led by Oliver Alexander, MPPA president, this year’s function welcomed every SEA student who wrote the exam in one of the 11 primary schools in Mayaro and Rio Claro.
Bmobile joined other corporate units to provide support to MPPA, a registered NGO focused on building its community.
Alexander said, “Bmobile has been a long-time partner and is no stranger to our work and community. We were grateful that they once again stepped in to be a part of this initiative. The children also loved the play equipment brought in for their enjoyment on the awards day. A lot of these kids didn’t have the benefit of a graduation ceremony, so there was that. And this organization of games was a celebration for these children. Bmobile went the extra mile and the kids definitely had a great time,” he added.
“Mayaro is a community that is near and dear to our hearts,” emphasized Anjanie Ramesar-Soom, from the Corporate, Environmental, Social and Reputation Management team at TSTT. “We are proud to support the work of the MPPA and their awards and see that it is a source of motivation for students every year. We were also happy to bring some fun, excitement and joy to the awards by providing entertainment for attendees on the day. Mr. Alexander and the team at MPPA continue to do a great job every year and we continue to support their vision of improving education for the Rio Claro and Mayaro communities,” she added.
The students also experienced the launch of the MPPA Cultural Programme, featuring three youngsters who played bowls for the audience. Equipment was recently purchased for the community and there will be a program to learn tassa for interested youth.
Alexander stated, “We also plan to expand into the pan art form and moko jumbie. We understand that not every student will be academically inclined, and even those who enjoy extracurricular activities can participate. So we plan to expand our cultural program and bring teachers of these art forms right here so that our local children can benefit.”
Attendees were also inspired by the testimony of a victim of her father’s attempted murder, Sarah Siewchan-Rajkoomar, who encouraged them to fight against the odds despite their circumstances. Now a teacher herself, Siewchan-Rajkoomar and her family’s tragic story once made national headlines. She used this turning point in her life story to encourage young men and women to keep striving for their goals and aspirations.
MPPA also launched its Back-to-School Book Drive, which will help students with books, stationery, uniforms and more. Those who wish to contribute can directly help a child or make a general donation.
For the past 20 years, the Mayaro Past Pupils Association (MPPA) has been honoring those taking the exam from the South West communities. The annual event aims to encourage and motivate young people in the community and surrounding areas to continue striving for success. The guests of honor all received hampers, products and gifts from several sponsors. Twenty best performers were chosen from Mayaro and ten from schools based in Rio Claro and they received special prizes and awards.
Led by Oliver Alexander, MPPA president, this year’s function welcomed every SEA student who wrote the exam in one of the 11 primary schools in Mayaro and Rio Claro.
Bmobile joined other corporate units to provide support to MPPA, a registered NGO focused on building its community.
Alexander said, “Bmobile has been a long-time partner and is no stranger to our work and community. We were grateful that they once again stepped in to be a part of this initiative. The children also loved the play equipment brought in for their enjoyment on the awards day. A lot of these kids didn’t have the benefit of a graduation ceremony, so there was that. And this organization of games was a celebration for these children. Bmobile went the extra mile and the kids definitely had a great time,” he added.
“Mayaro is a community that is near and dear to our hearts,” emphasized Anjanie Ramesar-Soom, from the Corporate, Environmental, Social and Reputation Management team at TSTT. “We are proud to support the work of the MPPA and their awards and see that it is a source of motivation for students every year. We were also happy to bring some fun, excitement and joy to the awards by providing entertainment for attendees on the day. Mr. Alexander and the team at MPPA continue to do a great job every year and we continue to support their vision of improving education for the Rio Claro and Mayaro communities,” she added.
The students also experienced the launch of the MPPA Cultural Programme, featuring three youngsters who played bowls for the audience. Equipment was recently purchased for the community and there will be a program to learn tassa for interested youth.
Alexander stated, “We also plan to expand into the pan art form and moko jumbie. We understand that not every student will be academically inclined, and even those who enjoy extracurricular activities can participate. So we plan to expand our cultural program and bring teachers of these art forms right here so that our local children can benefit.”
Attendees were also inspired by the testimony of a victim of her father’s attempted murder, Sarah Siewchan-Rajkoomar, who encouraged them to fight against the odds despite their circumstances. Now a teacher herself, Siewchan-Rajkoomar and her family’s tragic story once made national headlines. She used this turning point in her life story to encourage young men and women to keep striving for their goals and aspirations.
MPPA also launched its Back-to-School Book Drive, which will help students with books, stationery, uniforms and more. Those who wish to contribute can directly help a child or make a general donation.
• 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. MPPA is an NGO registered with the Ministry of Legal Affairs and the Ministry of Sports and Community Development.
