SEA pupils get pep talk, stationery

Five days before the Secondary Entrance Assessment (SEA) exams, Minister in the Ministry Works Stacy Roopnarine visited 11 schools in her Oropouche West constituency. She distributed stationery and gave advice to anxious SEA pupils. Among the schools visited were Bien Venue Primary School, San Francique Hindu School, San Francique Presbyterian, Hermitage Presbyterian and Woodland Hindu School. At her last stop at San Francique, Roopnarine advised the pupils to remain calm and to ensure that they had a healthy breakfast before the exams on March 29. “Don’t eat anything that you are not accustomed to eating... Stay away from milky foods and make sure and have breakfast,” Roopnarine advised.

She also told the pupils to say a little prayer before beginning the exams. Asked by reporters whether she believed the SEA exams were too strenuous for pupils, Roopnarine said: “I think our education system in Trinidad is very competitive and turns out successful people...The SEA exam is no different.” She said, however, that the entire education system had room for improvement, adding that Education Minister Dr Tim Gopeesingh was looking at the curriculum and was assessing whether any changes could be made. Roopnarine said most of the students she visited were ready for the exams and did not display any signs of nervousness.

Asked whether the stationary distribution was part of a drive started by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Roopnarine said the distribution was part of her constituency’s own efforts. Several pupils interviewed yesterday said they were thankful to get erasers, pencils, rulers and a sharpener for the exams.
Kevin Arjoon said: “This will come in handy on the day... I am happy for this gift.” Two other students, Sara Ramlal and Naarisa Jugmohan, said they would keep Roopanrine’s message in their hearts on the day of the exam. After the tour, Roopnarine spent the rest of the day speaking with people in her constituency.