Director of NCERD, Mr. Mohandatt Goolsarran, said the programme which was introduced last year focuses on upgrading students’ literacy and numeracy skills and is an extra effort by NCERD and the Ministry of Education to fast track literacy attainment.

He said emphasis will be placed on literacy to ensure that students, who are targeted, are equipped with the ability to write their names in script and sign it in cursive, read and interpret a paragraph then answer questions and read and interpret utility bills.

“We believe if they move to secondary school, with the literacy training they have they would have an advantage to benefit from instruction in secondary schools. Once we cross that literacy barrier we will be on the road to success; that’s why we are putting so much emphasis at the primary level on literacy and numeracy because that’s the foundation if any building of education is to take place,” he said.

Once students are identified by the school their entry into the programme is not optional.

Goolsarran affirmed that if, for any reason, parents object to their child’s inclusion in the programme, they must demonstrate that the child has reached the level of literacy that is acceptable to carry on the regular work that comes post-National Grade Six Assessment.

Goolsarran also posited that the programme’s success depends on parents’ cooperation and on having all teachers committed and supportive of those who will be leading the programme in schools.

Grade Six students across Guyana will write their final assessment on April 8 and 9 which will determine their entry into secondary school.

Through the fast track initiative programme, NCERD is currently undertaking another programme which targets children who are failing at the primary level, especially in the area of literacy.

The programme focuses on Grades One, Two and Three students, so that they can benefit from the instructional programme in schools. (GINA)