-will enhance academic prospects in community
FOR years, students, teachers and the De Hoop, Region Five, community were in need of a new school building, since the first one, which was built in 1949 by the Canadian Mission Church, was in a derelict condition.
Government, in 2010, responded by providing funding for the construction of the new school through Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF), the Caribbean Development Bank, and Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) which saw the awarding of a $45.8M contract.

This is in recognition of the importance government places on the availability of the necessary infrastructure equipped for the delivery of quality education. The administration’s commitment to the education sector is also seen in this year’s National Budget, where $24.3B was allocated to the sector to facilitate the continued implementation of programmes and policies in the National Education Strategic Plan.
This effort was further advanced with the commissioning of the new De Hoop Primary School last week.

The school comprises of kitchenette, library, computer lab, head-teacher’s office, staff room, sick bay, sanitary block and classroom space. While the school was under construction, the students were accommodated by the De Hoop Assembly of God Church.
Education Minister Shaik Baksh acknowledged that parental participation is critical in the education process, particularly when the child is at home. Parents must ensure that homework is done.
Minister Baksh emphasised that the challenge of the primary education system is to ensure that every child leaves primary school literate and numerate. He recognises that there are some children who leave the primary level unable to read and write, which is a challenge when they progress to the secondary level and even limits their accessibility to opportunities.
Minister Baksh highlighted that government has been making noteworthy investments in the education system since it recognises that children do not deserve less. In this regard, he pointed out the many efforts targeting school aged children, which include the provision of ICT labs equipped with computers, school uniform assistance, text books, school feeding and remediation programmes, in addition to making available transportation to students in the hinterland and riverine communities.
The minister announced that he will be placing the De Hoop primary on a priority list to receive computers since it only has one. Minister Baksh called on the community to make contributions to the institution to aid its advancement.


He emphasised that while the ministry is carrying out its programmes, school attendance is still a concern. The Ministry’s Schools’ Welfare Department has been tasked with carrying out truancy campaigns to reverse that trend and re-emphasise the importance of education.
The school has also benefited from a $1M grant made available through the Education Ministry’s School Improvement Plan (SIP) which enabled the construction of an incinerator and the purchase of a computer.

Minister Baksh emphasised that during a recent visit by a World Bank team, the administration was commended for its contributions to the education sector.
Region Five Chairman, Harrinarine Baldeo recognised that there are other schools in the region which need to be re-constructed, including the Rosignol Primary and Ithaca Nursery, work on which will commence soon.
Regional Education Officer Urline Crandon called on the teachers to embrace their responsibilities in the transfer of values and not be satisfied with remaining at a constant point, but to be continuously successful.
The construction of the new school provides a much more conducive environment for the students who are now expected to improve in their performance. The school has produced students who attend some of the top schools in Guyana.