IN an effort to tackle the shortage of trained teachers in the Sub-Region Two District of Region Ten (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice), particularly at schools up the Upper Berbice River, a branch of the Cyril Potter College of Education(CPCE) has been established in Kwakwani, to serve those desirous of becoming trained teachers. Former Regional Vice Chairman, Elroy Adolph, who had responsibility for Kwakwani, related that the courses will run during the school term breaks (Easter, Christmas and August) so that the teachers would not abandon the schools during the term. “So instead of training lasting two years as usual, it will last three years because some of the teachers are already attached to schools in the Berbice River and we don’t want to close the schools for them to come out to Linden,” Adolph explained.

The establishment of the branch will also open up avenues for youths residing in those villages and even Kwakwani, to access the training, since it will be more convenient for them. Many youths, Adolph explained, found it difficult to attend training in Linden, given the financial constraints and other commitments to remain in the sub-district. This will also be one of the first means of tertiary education in Kwakwani and youths who have a desire of remaining home after completing their secondary education, can do so and become trained teachers to serve their own communities. “We have always had an issue with trained teachers, many times they have to get from Linden and other parts of the country to come into the Berbice River, but now our own youths have an opportunity to serve their community with the establishment of the branch.”

The initiative was also applauded by Chairman of the Kwakwani Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) Elsie McPherson, who related that it is an opportunity for youths to qualify themselves and become employed. “I am very happy about it because jobs are being created for the youths in the education sector,” she said.
Speaking to one untrained teacher attached to the Kwakwani Primary School, she said that the establishment of the branch will make her dream come through. “I am very happy about it because I can be trained right here and not have to move to Linden and leave my family….I am encouraging other youths like my self to take the opportunity and become trained as well,” she said.

Courses will be taught by retired teachers and lecturers attached to the CPCE Linden branch. Adolph related this is another avenue of development in Kwakwani as the community has been benefiting from several projects as of late. These include massive infrastructural development in the rehabilitation of roads, renovation to state property and the Kwakwani Workers’ Club, construction of the Kwakwani Magistrate’s Court and construction and renovation of several sporting facilities.