ASJA celebrates its top SEA performers

AT least 18 former students from Anjuman Sunnat-ul-Jamaat Association (ASJA)-run primary schools who sat the Secondary Entrance Assessment (SEA) exam have been honoured for their excellence before moving on secondary school in the upcoming weeks.

The schools' board of management held an award programme and praised the students as well as parents/guardians and staff for their input.

The event was held at the ASJA Boys' College auditorium in San Fernando on August 19.

Imam Ahamad Hosein, the acting president general and vice-chairman of the board, said the students' achievement was also possible because of the hard work of parents and staff.

He also encouraged students to continue to work hard and do their best in higher education and at every level they encounter. Such a perspective, he said, would ensure that they have a bigger and brighter future.

"As you continue to grow and face all future challenges, remember to stay strong, be confident in yourself and always do your best," Hosein said. "You have the strength and the resilience to overcome any obstacle that stands in your way. Today is your day of triumph. You all are winners."

Principal of ASJA Boys' College, San Fernando, Faeid Ali said achieving the top positions did not come without significant sacrifice, emphasising that further success will take hard work and effort.

"It is not a one-person job. As the principal, my colleagues will agree that far too many parents say, 'My job is done,' but secondary schools are demanding. The same support you gave to prepare them to excel in SEA now requires you to step on the pedal even harder," Ali told the gathering.

"Ensure that you walk hand in hand with your children throughout secondary school. They need your advice even more. As teenagers, they begin to listen to classmates and friends, and sometimes the advice they receive is not the best."

He also called on parents and guardians to be involved in their child's school.

"If you want your children to excel, be involved and know what is happening at the school."

Ali called for people to pursue faith as genuinely as possible.

"Whether Muslim, Hindu or Christian, it makes no difference. Religion imparts morals and values. Regardless of faith, there are common morals – community support, meditation, and kindness. These are critical."

As the award recipients prepare for school in September, Ali suggested that parents have them set high standards.

Others present included spiritual guide Mufti Zaidur Raza, acting principal of ASJA Girls' College, San Fernando, Aliyah Amarsingh-Mohammed, and school supervisors Allan Ramdeen, Vidya Ramachala and Intikhab Hassan.

In her address, Amarsingh-Mohammed encouraged students to think big, dream big, and transform each challenge into an opportunity as they embark on their academic journey through secondary school.

"You now have a foundation for how to study. Whatever happened in SEA is now past tense. This is the present, and you must give it the same amount of dedication and time.

"Managing time is important, and I urge you to keep track of deadlines," Amarsingh-Mohammed said.

"Social media can be an ill and also a healthy thing. Many times, children spend too much time on social media.

"Do not fall prey to it. Instead, use the internet for research to discover new things and ideas."

She emphasised that they should not get involved in activities that will fill their time.