EDUCATION is a powerful instrument which conveys knowledge about health, the world, character, building experiences, a responsibility to participate in government and it fosters national unity. Education provides the framework to create good citizens and to prepare them to meet the everyday challenges and growing needs of society.

The Government of Guyana remains committed to the development of the people and as such it continues to invest in the education sector of Guyana. All citizens should be allowed to exert their full potential, paving the way for greater productivity and economic development.

Last year, $18.5 billion was allocated to the education sector. This year over $20.4 billion was allocated to the education sector with $3.6 billion for capital projects and $16.8 billion for operational current expenditure. Guyana continues to be among the top countries with regards to the budget percentage and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) percentage that is allocated for education. Today, the awareness of high cost-efficiency of investment into education is accepted by many countries. The advancement of developing countries, such as, Ireland and Finland, was accomplished through developmental policies related to making science and education their national developmental priorities.

In order to further enhance the education sector, the budget is tied to the new Education Strategic Plan (ESP) 2008-2013 which focuses on: the need to provide skilled teaching and access for early childhood education, implementing new methodologies to overcome literacy and numeracy challenges, constructing and rehabilitating schools to promote universal secondary education and training teachers to boost their teaching capabilities.

In addition, the fast-track initiative programme on literacy received $252 million. This programme sets out to benefit in and out of school youths and adults by improving their literacy levels. Government continues to provide technical and vocational education and also skills training programmes including agri-mechanics, carpentry, welding, etc. In addition, there will be the construction, rehabilitation and maintenance of schools.

Also, the phenomenon of globalization brings with it the need for countries to adapt their educational systems to rapid scientific, technological and social changes to achieve national development. And so, Government has maintained the continued investment of the people as priority.
ELIZABETH DALY