Students, teachers observe national tree planting day nationwide

Georgetown: Guyana’s education sector paused briefly on Wednesday to observe national tree planting day nationwide. 
While other officials joined with students in the various education Districts in Georgetown Minister Nicolette Henry joined the students and teachers of the Roxanne Burnham Nursery School, Vlissingen Road to plant a guava and a pear tree in the School’s compound. 
Minister Henry at the simple but symbolic ceremony said, "As we observe education month this year we opted to have a day for planting trees as a tangible example of teaching from an early age, the importance of promoting the ideas of a Green country where we help the environment to help us in the long term.”
Minister Henry further noted that, “It is also in keeping with His Excellency President David Granger's thrust to promote Guyana as an emerging Green state where each one teaches one and the education sector, primarily schools are ideal places to start." 
Ms. Olivia Dejonge, Headmistress (ag) was among the officials present while the Education Ministry’s representatives included Ms. Ingrid Trotman Deputy Chief Education Officer- Admin (ag), Ms. Shirley Madray, District Education Officer in the office of the Assistant Chief Education Officer and Mr. Owen Pollard Assistant Chief Education Officer- Primary. 
On Wednesday too, a tree was planted in the South Ruimveldt Park Primary school compound where Miss Nicola Sampson is the Head Mistresses. 
Their exercise included some patriotic flute music by a male student. 
"I had this in mind a while now to plant a tree so that the children would see the importance of planting to unlock their potential so this initiative has my full support," the HM said. 
ACEO Pollard at that event was more metaphoric: "When planted seedlings become strong trees over time through nurturing and watering, this is likened to parents and their children being supported by teachers and the community. The roots hold the soil together as they feed the trees and allow them to grow. It is because of these trees that we breathe and in due season once treated right and fed properly our children like our trees will bear good fruits," Said. 
"I relate the plants with children who grow through caring and nurturing and this is the same way that our ministry believes that if we water the plants the same way teachers and education officials pour resources into the children we help them to grow and unlock their true potential,” Ms. Shirley Madray, District Education Officer in the office of the Assistant Chief Education Officer.