A WELL-KNOWN feature from correspondence between early Guyanese migrants to the United States of America, particularly, and their relatives here in Guyana, had been the necessity for the former to attend night school/classes after their day’s labour. This was an absolute necessity for them to enhance not only their knowledge/skills for better competence, hence improving their job performance, but also for further employment prospects as well as advancing their general literacy.

It must be remembered that many of these new arrivals in North America had departed these shores, some without much of a school background, and others incomplete in that regard. But we know of the legendary Guyanese work ethic of being very ambitious and industrious in their endeavours wherever they are present; with the upshot being that although late starters academically, many eventually were able to distinguish themselves as renowned academics and in various fields, through the medium of night school. Such sterling achievements are what have dispelled the archaic mind-set in those days that schooling had been strictly a day-time exercise, only to be attended by the young.

In the classical sense, those persons were late starters who were able to realise their eventual potential, and the need to fulfil their potential, which had been influenced by changed circumstances. They have not only made themselves and family proud, but their beloved homeland also by their achievements.

Guyana has had a history of these facilities which have been catering for school drop- outs, teenage mothers and other types, who, for various reasons, could not have completed the traditional learning curve or never had an opportunity to even experience a proper foundation of basic learning. The renowned Adult Education Association (AEA), founded by the late visionary Newton Profitt, has played a seminal role since its formation decades ago in equipping both dropouts and early school-leavers with the necessary foundation for enhancement of their functional capabilities. It is a night school, because of its post-working hours classes which went at times beyond the twilight hours; and with branches in the three counties, this institution still continues its seminal role in offering persons a second chance at learning.

Add the key Critchlow Labour College, which has more than contributed to Guyana’s education and socio-economic development for its almost 50 years. This was made possible through its mainly day-time CXC classes and foundation courses after working hours and late into the evenings, that have sent scores of its products to the University of Guyana and other tertiary-level institutions elsewhere. Many later distinguished themselves in the field of law and other disciplines.

Even the University of Guyana, at its early inception in the classrooms at Queen’s College, earned the sobriquet of being called “Jagan’s night school’ during the tenure of the late President Cheddi Jagan, then premier of the colony of British Guiana. At that time, its classes commenced properly after working hours, finishing into the night.

Therefore, it is against such a background that the Sophia Community Development Association (SCDA) Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) Night School is another such initiative which has followed in this Guyanese educational tradition of offering second chances at learning. Functioning in an area that is socially challenged, it offers such opportunities to persons between 14-50 years old, inclusive of school drop- outs; those who did not achieve above five subjects, and who also never had an opportunity to sit those exams.

With a policy that encourages to “Come as you are, however, come with the intention to make your life better. Come with the goal of improving your lot”, the response to this call has since enrolled a reported 250 persons. More so, its success rate in the 2018 CSEC results of an 85 per cent pass rate, with a 73 per cent grades pass between 1-3, and 97 per cent pass between 1-4, illustrates not only the abilities that are now being realised, but also the hunger to be successful.

Night school has been a very old tradition in many other ountries that have been catering for those citizens of circumstances; and they have given to mankind so many persons of different, distinguished acclaims. There are similar programmes in Festival City and Soesdyke. The threshold for employment and further education is five subjects, so this emerged as a means to either obtain employment or further education. Encouraged by citizens within the Sophia community who have recommended that such a process be carried to other sections of the community, as well as replicated in other locations of the country.

The SCDA Sophia Night School, is currently offering classes in English Language, Mathematics, Electronic Document Preparation Management, Social Studies, Principles of Accounts, Principles of Business, Office Administration, Integrated Science, Human and Social Biology and Agricultural Science; all with funding from the office of the Presidential Adviser on Youth Empowerment, Aubrey Norton. Although of recent vintage, it has begun to bear the kind of fruit which will undoubtedly change lives and families in that

community, and from wherever other students have originated. In an increasingly competitive job market, the more education one has, the better. Night classes allow you to carry on your day-time routine while furthering your educational pursuits. And the fact that the Night School has attracted entrants from as far the East Coast, Demerara, and Linden, speaks of the dire necessity for such programmes throughout Guyana.

It is ample evidence that there are citizens who are prepared to accept the challenge of scholastic learning, which opportunity may have been earlier missed, attempted and had been unsuccessful, or were never given the opportunity. Given the tools, they can now commence this journey to levels personally desired.