THE delivery of education in Region 6 (East Berbice/Corentyne) received a boost on Friday when three secondary schools benefited from a $30.7M project to improve and expand their learning facilities.The money was spent on adding new wings to Tagore Memorial Secondary on the Upper Corentyne, Tutorial Academy Secondary School (TASS) and Berbice High School (BHS) in New Amsterdam.

Each project was commissioned by Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Mr. Ganga Persaud.
The largest project is a two-flat building that was constructed in the compound of BHS and it will accommodate six classrooms.  According to head teacher of the school, Jenifer Rollins, the $12.3M project will be put into use right away by housing Grade Seven students.
Meanwhile, Persaud speaking at the commissioning ceremony noted government’s commitment to education delivery. He said government’s faith in education delivery remains strong.  “From Independence until now all that would have happened is that government’s support got stronger,” he declared.

TEACHERS
There are 1,572 teachers deployed in 151 schools across the region, 28 of which are secondary schools.
Persaud also grasped the opportunity to urge the students present to care the new facility which he said will not only benefit them but those who will come after.
“If you don’t care you will not only be doing yourself a disservice but also you will be doing a bad service to those who come after you,” he warned.
The Local Government Minister also called on the students to focus on opportunities that exist in the classroom.
Meanwhile, an $8.2M project was also commissioned at Tagore.  The new building will house three classrooms to cater for the growing school population there.
Meanwhile, a similar extension, a $10.2M wing that will house three classrooms was commissioned at Tutorial Academy on Friday also.
Speaking at the commissioning, President of the Parent- Teacher Association (PTA), Odetta Felix expressed concern that the PTA was not involved from the inception in order to advise on the best location for the building.
However, Vice-chairman of Region 6, Bhupaul Jhagroo noted that once a project is commissioned, it is one step forward in the development of the country.
Persaud explained that there is a procedure that is followed before such projects become a reality and noted that the journey begins with the first step. “I think the journey at this school has started,” he noted.
Also in attendance at the three commissioning ceremonies, was Regional Education Officer of Region 6, Ms. Volika Jaikishun.

(By Michael Khan)