Youth Challenge Guyana reports…
YOUTH Challenge Guyana (YCG) has reported that the 2010 recruitment of national teacher volunteers has yielded the highest number  since the implementation of the programme.
YCG representative, Mr. Germaine Watson said their aim is to provide amply qualified teachers for the different schools across the Administrative Regions in Guyana.
In that context, he said YCG, in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO), embarked on an extensive volunteer recruitment from last February to ensure the continued success of the scheme initiated five years ago.
“The 40 persons trained this year was the largest number we have ever dealt with. Prior to this, we had 12, 24 and 20,” he disclosed, adding that this year’s was “great.”
Watson said, of the total number trained, 36 have already been placed in rural schools in all the Regions, except Regions Five (Mahaica/Berbice) and Six (East Berbice/Corentyne).
He explained that the need exists in some communities where there are only two or three teachers for 70 students.
“That is unacceptable. So we came up with this programme,” Watson  stated.
Alluding to the benefits of the volunteerism, he said there is an individual stipend of $30,000 and the provision of accommodation, along with the opportunity to travel around Guyana.
Watson applauded the efforts of the Education Ministry, noting that, without its support, YCG would not have been able to reach as many communities.
The Ministry of Education stands more than 70 per cent of the expenses, inclusive of the stipends  and the accommodation which is available through its Regional Departments.
Watson also pointed out that, even though volunteers are welcome, not all of the applicants are accepted because there are specific requirements to be met, including at least four Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) subjects, Mathematics and English included, good writing and speaking ability and the willingness to travel.
“We recognise that there are many persons who wish to participate but some are not willing or able to meet the challenges, especially relocating to remote communities,” he said.
However, he said, as long as the Ministry of Education is willing to finance the programme, there will be a need for volunteers.