I must commend the Government of Guyana and the Ministry of Education for the initiatives being undertaken to improve the delivery of education and the lives of the students. Over the years, many children were being deprived of quality education because of their living situations and social and psychological problems. There have been instances where children do not attend school because they do not have school uniforms or even meals.
There are even some students who drop out of school because of family problems or delinquent behaviour. In these cases, students are denied the privilege of receiving the quality education that could change their lives and mould them into productive adults.
I am pleased to know that the government and the ministry are providing the means for our young children to receive the education they deserve. I am also sure that the children who would be benefiting from what the government is providing are pleased as well.
For those children whose parents cannot afford school uniforms, the government is providing uniforms. For those children who do not get proper meals, the government has set up school feeding programmes and for those children who face psychological and social challenges the ministry has in place welfare officers and school counsellors.
By providing the services of welfare officers and counsellors, the students would be given the guidance and support they need to deal with home and school issues.
These improvements to the education system ensure that those children who are underprivileged are provided for and are given the opportunity to get an education. These opportunities would in future give these children a better life. They would also be able to make life changing decisions, not only for them but for the country as well.
These children are indeed our future and I am very happy that the government has put in place these opportunities so that we can secure the success of our future.