EDUCATION Minister Shaik Baksh, during a press conference held at the Ministry’s boardroom on Wednesday last, disclosed that a further $50M will be invested into the education sector with special focus on advancing Information Communication Technology in Government’s education drive.

This initiative will see the establishment of two computer laboratories and countrywide training programmes, which will complement Guyana’s current ICT programmes.

Minister Baksh pointed out that Government has given assurances that additional funds will be made available to further advance the ICT thrust.

With plans to fast-track the ICT implementation, the Ministry has been training teachers, both at the Cyril Potter of Education (CPCE) and those who have completed studies, in the information technology field.

Some 3000 teachers received training in 2010, while an additional 3000 are expected to be trained this year.
Currently, 500 teachers are being trained in an advancement package to learn more about computer technology.

The Minister added that the Ministry of Education has been receiving support from the Commonwealth Secretariat, Commonwealth of Learning and Microsoft in programmes that seek to ensure teachers are prepared for the 21st century and its technologies.

He highlighted that some 70 schools will be used as training hubs for the OLPF programmes.

As part of government’s Plan to ensure Guyana and, moreso, the education sector are moving apace, the Education Ministry has been seeking to ensure all children have access to opportunities being offered by the country.