President Dr. Irfaan Ali has urged students who received their National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) results to view the milestone not as a moment of judgment but as the beginning of a lifelong journey filled with possibilities.
Speaking directly to the nation’s children, President Ali reminded them that they are still very young, many just 11 or 12 years old and that their futures are filled with promise.
“This is not an exam to determine who’s better than who,” the President said. “Do not use this as a basis on which you determine your future. You have your whole life ahead of you.”
He called on parents and guardians to temper expectations with understanding, noting that life includes both victories and setbacks.
“There are moments of immense accomplishment and moments of disappointment,” he acknowledged. “But at 11 and 12, I implore you not to pressure our children into believing that this is the most defining moment of their life.”
Dr. Ali urged families to reassure and uplift all children, those who excelled and those who may not have performed as they had hoped.
“Let this moment be one of inspiration. Let us, as parents, teachers, and motivators, guide our children into the next phase of their development with love and support,” he said.
The President also recognised the diverse aspirations of young students, stressing that all career paths, including technical and vocational roles, are valuable.
“Some of our children will want to be technical people. Nothing is wrong with that. Let this not be that moment of disappointment.”
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to equitable education, President Ali pledged that every child, regardless of where they are placed, will have access to high-quality education.
“We are going to invest to ensure that the quality of education at the best school in your head is the same quality that is at every school across our country,” he assured.
While acknowledging the significant national improvements in education outcomes this year, Dr. Ali said, “I want all of you to know that you are equally loved. You all have an important stake in the future of our country.”
He concluded his address by calling on parents to be a source of encouragement: “This is the time when you uplift your child. When you show unconditional love and let our children understand that the future is bright.”
