One of the modern concepts of development is decentralisation which, even though it has its limitations, has been an effective tool in rural development. Many societies face an uphill task in curbing migration from rural to urban communities because of the huge developmental gap between them. It is only natural that people will tend to be attracted to the so-called ‘greener pastures’.

China is one of the countries that is facing this challenge of migration from rural communities to the urban centres and this is creating several sociological and socio-economic problems. Skilled labour, for instance,  becomes short in the villages and this in turn stifles development there.

In addition, families are separated and the elderly are oftentimes  left unattended for lengthy periods.

A major part of the solution to this problem lies in decentralisation and advancing economic development in the rural communities. And a key aspect in this regard involves the decentralisation of the education system with great emphasis on skills training.

In Guyana, like many developing countries, we have had a history of a centralized education system. However, in recent years the government has made tremendous strides in decentralising the education system and in this respect it has established a Berbice university campus, built secondary schools in many rural and hinterland communities which never had such institutions, established rural teacher training centres across the country and, more recently, has embarked upon a programme to further develop and expand Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in the rural communities.

The latter is one of the laudable programmes the Education Ministry has embarked upon because it would mean that thousands of post-secondary students interested in pursuing skills training would now be able to do so virtually in their own ‘backyards’. This, of course, will relieve them of the hassle and logistical problems of travelling long distances and also reduce the burden on their parents’ pockets.

It was therefore, extremely heartening to see the clinching of contracts totalling some $480M for the supply of office equipment, furniture, computers and tools for the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Centres at Mahaicony in Region 5 (Mahaica/Berbice) and Leonora in Region 3 (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara).

These two institutions will join the family of rural technical institutes across the country.

As to the importance of these institutes, Education Minister Shaik Baksh noted that the focal point of the Education Strategic Plan is on two important aspects, TVET and Information and Communications Technology (ICT).

What is notable also about this TVET programme is the fact that it is not only building and equipping the technical institutions, but it has also an incorporated aspect of training personnel to man them. This is only logical because it would make no sense establishing these institutions without having the requisite personnel.

On this note, Baksh revealed that a policy document is being completed for Technical/Vocational Education as training has been identified as a key component in the overall plan.

“We need trained teachers; this is a challenge,” he declared.

In the past, technical and vocational education used to be a mere incidental in the education system and was regarded as a “dumping ground” for those who are not academically inclined.

However,  the  global situation has changed dramatically and today skills training is regarded as an essential driving force in economic development and developing a cutting edge in global competition.

Technical and vocational education are extremely important in improving and progressing a nation’s industries while supplying a capable work force.

Vocational education, if cheap and widespread, can greatly reduce unemployment rates by giving people useful, moneymaking skills.

Technical education can greatly improve efficiency in many industries and can lead to brilliant innovation in others (such as renewable energy).

In President Obama’s 2011 ‘State of the Union’ address, he emphasized the importance of improving the nation’s education in technical areas.

He argues that in order to compete in the constantly evolving world, the United States needs to put more emphasis on technical education.
In Guyana’s case, that focus is certainly there, and the commitment by Government is unwavering.  We are on the right track!