MINISTER with the portfolio, Mr. Shaik Baksh, has said the Education Sector in this country is expected to undergo a series of changes, in keeping with his ministry’s aim to, continually, improve the system.
In this regard, he told a year-end press conference, last Friday, that, during the past year, the Ministry continued its focus on modernisation and has moved towards setting up a multi-media centre at the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD).
Baksh said one of the main activities of that centre would be the establishment of the Educational Broadcasting Television Service (EBTS), a dedicated channel using satellite communication technology to ensure that all regions and communities in Guyana are covered.
“This has already been established and is an important development in modernising the education system and is expected to be operational by the first quarter of 2011,” he informed.
Alluding to the benefits of the innovation, he said it will expand the distance learning capabilities of various institutions, including the University of Guyana (UG) and facilitate television broadcasts for different beneficiaries.
“E-learning and other modes of distance learning will have to be a reality,” he said, adding: “The EBTS is intended to become a household  name which will facilitate this.”
According to Baksh, the extension works for the new station have been done at NCERD and skilled personnel from the United States will conduct technology training.
He said the overall objective is to have technology mediated teaching and learning across the education system.
“When I speak of modernising, this is what I mean and the Government, as a whole, is moving forward through all of the developments,” Baksh said.
But he said there has been resistance over the past year and he encouraged all stakeholders to embrace innovation and change which will, ultimately, lead to growth in the sector.
“We need to be bold enough and venture out and there will be more changes to come in the new year,” he stated.
Baksh admitted that the education system will not reflect all of  the improvements immediately, as it would take time for the benefits to take effect.