CPCE Stories: Fiona Sharma Wins President’s Award

CPCE Stories | Miss Fiona Sharma – Recipient of President’s Award for Excellence.

Miss Fiona Sharma is the recipient of this year’s President’s Award for Excellence from the Cyril Potter College of Education as the Best Overall Graduating Student in the Associate Degree in General Education Programme.

Ms. Sharma hails from the Essequibo Coast, Region Two and currently resides at Recht-Door-Zee, West Bank Demerara (WBD). She teaches at the Mc Gillivray Primary School at Canal No.1, WBD.

In an invited comment, she said “I am very honoured first of all and I must say thank you to the lord Jesus Christ because without him, I cannot do it.”

Coming from a family of teachers, Ms. Sharma’s son, David Abraham Sears was also the Best Overall Graduating Student in 2022. “All of my family are basically Teachers and they have been topping. We just go, do our best and we deliver,” she said.

In her speech to the graduating class of 2024, she told her peers that “Education is more than just the transmission of knowledge; it is a powerful tool for transformation. Each of us has the potential to ignite a spark within our students, to inspire them to dream beyond their current circumstances, and to equip them with the skills and knowledge to realize those dreams.”

“As educators, we hold a unique position of influence. We have the opportunity to create safe spaces where students feel valued, heard, and respected. We have the power to foster a love for learning, to nurture curiosity, and to encourage critical thinking. Our role is not just to impart knowledge but to cultivate character, resilience, and a sense of purpose in our students,” she added.

The primary school teacher urged her peers to explore new ideas and perspectives as the field of education is constantly changing. She noted that the journey at CPCE has taught each student the value of resilience, perseverance, and dedication.

She extended gratitude to friends, families and other supporters as well as the CPCE for their belief and support throughout the journey, and the Ministry of Education for the unwavering support and investment in education.

“I would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the Government of Guyana and the Honourable Minister of Education for their unwavering support and investment in our education.

Through their dedication to empowering teachers and uplifting the standards of education across our nation, they have enabled each of us here today to reach this important milestone,” Ms. Sharma noted.

Going forward, the teacher pledged to continue lifting the standard of education in her school and the wider profession. “I will continue to do my best in my community. I will continue to share my knowledge and impart it to the children that needs guidance. My aspiration ofr the future is to be the best teacher I can be, go out and shine and be an impact,” she said.

She also encourages youths to continue pursuing their education and make sacrifices to achieve their goals.

“It wasn’t easy for me as I had to give up things that I love and dedicate my time to my studies here because I know that this was a great opportunity. As a single parent, I had to put away the things that I love and I had to study hard, early in the mornings and late at nights so I am encouraging you, if you have a dream go after it,” Ms. Sharma urged.

A total of 1,502 Teachers graduated form the CPCE on Friday at the National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD).