IT is easily accepted that education is more than classroom learning. Simply stated, education extends beyond the basic academics.
In this regard, the Ministry of Education is pressing for a holistic approach to education. It is now emphasising the importance of Students’ Councils in schools across Guyana. At the University of Guyana, there is the UGSS (University of Guyana Students’ Society), and so it stands to reason that parallel bodies should be in schools across Guyana.

Also, the idea of various students’ associations in schools is most widespread. Therefore, such a ‘push’ here in Guyana, is most timely. Students’ Councils form a necessary intermediary between the teaching staff and the general student population.

These bodies really help to foster more wholesome relationships in the schools, and in general, help to enhance the educational environment when extra-curricular activities come up. One can think of religious and cultural activities, areas of class monitoring, sports and even discipline, and in all these fronts, Students’ Councils have been, and can be very helpful.
A very meaningful area of contribution regarding Students’ Councils is that of preparation for the life, after school, in the large society. The Students Councils, if one really examines them, and when these are ‘up and running’ have various mandates, roles, regulations and responsibilities.
In fact, the actual structure of these bodies is analogous to what obtains in the working world. Here is where students can optimise on line management, reporting, accountability and evaluating.

For example, if one of these bodies should embark on a ‘fund-raising’ drive, the idea of honesty will be elevated, and students can now take this trait to the wider world, even while in school. Apart from that the mere fact that a project is embarked upon means the testing of the use of time, conjuring up strategies and executing of plans all becoming entrenched within education..  
As a closing and worthwhile reminder, one can recall that only recently the Ministry of Education embarked upon the ‘Uniform for Students’ and PTA (Parents and Teachers Association) missions. These various activities clearly prove that the Ministry of Education, headed by Mr. Shaik Baksh, is very serious about a literate Guyana.