-Faerber tells ‘Face the Community’ meeting
“THE Ministry of Education and, by extension  the Government of Guyana (GOG), is serious about the delivery of quality education because education is critical for development.”This statement was made on Thursday by Regional Chairman, Julius Faerber when he addressed a ‘Face the Community’ meeting at the Essequibo Islands Secondary School in Wakenaam. The meeting, which was arranged by the region three department of education, is one in a series of activities to mark Education Month 2010. Among those present were regional Education Officer, Marlyn Jones-O’Donoghue; District Education Officer (primary) Penelope McIntosh; District Education Officer  (nursery), Cheryl Chase; Regional Literacy Coordinator, Seenarine Bhukan; Schools Welfare Officer, Mohamed Khan;  parents, head teachers and teachers.

Faerber told the gathering that government’s policy on education is one that emphasizes the right to quality education.

He noted that while government spending in the education sector has been enormous, the returns on such investments have not been up to expectations.

Faerber, who heads the regional education committee, opined that more has to be done in the class rooms. He said parents and society in general have a critical role to play in changing the trends.

Expressing similar sentiments, Regional Education Officer, Marlyn Jones-O’Donoghue stated that a school’s success depends heavily on the support and cooperation of parents/guardians and other stakeholders.

Recounting all the initiatives implemented at the nursery, primary and secondary levels, unless teachers, parents/guardians and other stakeholders.

Alluding to Education Month’s theme: “Child-friendly homes, Child-friendly classrooms: Quality education”, the education officer called on parents and teachers to lend credence and give tangible support to realise this year’s theme.

She said, “Parents have a responsibility to provide the right environment for learning…home is where the child first starts to learn; on the other hand, teachers are entrusted to make the classrooms child-friendly.”
But she cautioned that mere talking will not transform the homes and classrooms into child-friendly environment.
“We have to implement innovative measures that will attract pupil’s attention”, Jones O’Donoghue opines.
The meeting was also addressed by Ms. McIntosh, Ms. Chase, Mr. Bhukan and Mr. Khan.
Among the concerns raised was shortage of teachers, sanitary conditions, and electricity supply and text books.
These according to the Regional Education Officer would be addressed shortly.