— old projects to continue, new initiatives to be implemented
THE $26.5B allocated to the education sector under the 2012 National Budget will see many new interventions being undertaken, and projects continued to foster and further build Guyana’s education sector. This is a significant improvement from the 2011 budgetary allocation for the education sector, and this enhancement has been seen as a timely one that will serve the needs of the Guyanese people.
Government was successful in achieving its education goals set out in the National Budget for 2011 as evidenced in the many success stories in education throughout the year.
Accordingly, a further effort has been made in the 2012 budget to vastly improve this success through monetary provision.
Government is cognizant of the importance of a strong and vibrant education sector, and will continue to make significant strides to realize and fulfil long-held dreams in this regard.
For the current fiscal year, over $1B has been allocated towards continued implementation of the National and Hinterland School Feeding Programmes, while the School Uniform Programme will continue.
Allocations have been made to continue implementing school programmes which seek to enhance performances in Mathematics and English Language at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations.
Schools countrywide have already begun working on key components of education delivery, including working closely with teachers, and allocating adequate resources to improve performances.
In the current administration’s manifesto, one of the key initiatives relates to improving teacher quality by strengthening the institutions involved, and upgrading the training programmes offered.
Over the years, the number of trained teachers has consistently been increasing, and there has been a 12 percent increase at the primary levels (from 58 percent to 70 percent), and 9 percent increase in trained teachers at the secondary level (from 55 percent to 64 percent).
A sum of $1.2B has been allotted towards teacher training in 2012. The Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) is expected to produce 430 graduates from the Associate Degree in Education programme in November 2012, while 800 students will complete the Trained Teacher Certificate programme in July of this year.

Information, Communication Technology
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) remains on the front burner also, and by the end of 2012, 3,500 teachers would complete ICT training. Additionally, all secondary schools will be equipped with functioning ICT departments.
Moreover, the ICT-based Success Maker programme will be installed in another 60 primary schools, and teachers will be trained in the use of this software as a teaching and learning aid.
Some $900M has been allocated towards the progress and development of tertiary education.
The 2012 budgetary allocation also plays a significant role in ensuring that all educational facilities deliver quality education. As such, this will see money being injected into places like the University of Guyana (UG), among others.
US$10M has been committed to the UG Science and Technology Project. Gy$80M has been allocated under this project towards the commencement of curriculum reform, research support, and infrastructure rehabilitation. Moreover, another Gy$450M has been budgeted for the student loan programme.
Money has been set aside for construction works at various learning facilities around the country, including the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre, which caters for 60 differently-able students.
When the various works have been completed, the institutions would be equipped with the essential sanitary facilities, furnishings, and a computer room. Additionally, the training facilities would be rehabilitated so as to provide technical and vocational training to the students at the centre.
Special emphasis will be placed on ensuring that those who are differently able are empowered to achieve personal fulfillment, thus making a contribution to productive effort.

Improved learning environment
$3.3B has been allocated for continued construction, extension, rehabilitation and maintenance of schools and other educational facilities countrywide, to ensure that students are privileged to dwell in conducive learning environments.
Some of the schools that will see expansion works include Turkeyen Nursery School, Parika Salem Secondary School, and Waramadong Dormitory and teaching block.  Works will also be done to the LBI, St. Pius and Diamond Primary schools, Leonora Secondary School and dormitories at Charity and Sand Creek Secondary schools. Also, science and information technology laboratories are expected to be completed.

Achievements in Education 2011
Under the 2011 budgetary allocation, $24B was expended, representing an increase of 13 percent in expenditure from 2010.
There were a number of key achievements in the education sector during the third year of implementation of the National Education Strategic Plan 2008-2013.  More than $47M has been expended for the establishment of the Education Channel which broadcasts programmes that supplement the education curriculum for all students countrywide.

Over $1B was spent on operational costs at CPCE, which offers the Associate Degree in Education. Another $768M was spent on the operational costs of UG’s two campuses, and $450M on student loans.
Additionally, government spent over $1B on the National and Hinterland School Feeding Programmes, which benefited over 63,000 children countrywide, while another $266M was expended on ensuring each child has a school uniform.
Over $1.8B was spent on technical vocational training institutes, including the completion of the two new vocational centres in Regions 3 and 5; while $2.8B was spent on construction, extension, rehabilitation and maintenance of schools and other educational facilities countrywide.
Government believes that education is critical in developing a well trained and highly skilled workforce to meet the needs of the modern economy.
The 2012 Budget is evidence that no Guyanese, irrespective of situation, has been left out.
The $192.8B budget was presented by Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh under the theme “Remaining on Course: United in Purpose – Prosperity for all”.