THE Regional Education Officer (REDO) of Region 8 n(Potaro/Siparuni) Mrs. Marcia Paddy-Andrews has indicated that some media houses published incorrect information regarding information on schools within her region and had never contacted her office for an accurate update or information regarding their claims.
The Region presently has two residential secondary schools, one at Mahdia and the other at Paramakatoi with 22 Primary schools, two nursery schools with 19 nursery classes and 17 primary tops
Speaking of an article in the Monday August 27 edition of the Kaieteur News where it was said that the secondary school in Paramakatoi was overcrowded with 35-40 students in a classroom. It should be noted that the Ministry of Education’s non-academic standards allows for 35 students in a classroom. She noted that the teacher in Charge of the school has never written to the District Education Officers tendering any complaint and sees this as a deliberate attempt to attack her office, officers and teachers within the system.
The Department of Education views the publishing of numerous articles on the Paramakatoi Secondary as a deliberate attempt to politicise the situation.
Mrs. Paddy-Andrews said Mr. Clyde Edwards – Chairman of the Education Committee of the region is fully aware that contracts were awarded to the tune of $5,591,800 for the rehabilitation of the dormitory at Paramakatoi Secondary School and $5,311,722 for the construction of a new kitchen. Works are currently under way. Preparations are ahead for the cleaning of school compounds and buildings and the washing of storage tanks for drinking water at all schools in the region.
Asked about the examination results with regards to the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) and Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC), Paddy- Andrews stated while there was an increase in performance at the NGSA overall the region has been lacking trained Mathematics and English teachers at CSEC level and as such the pass rate in these important subjects was minimal.
There is need for the area to have at least four teachers-two for each subject will be a major improvement and her office is presently negotiating with central Ministry and the Teaching Service Commission to have this situation rectified.
The region she explained is presently operating on a 29 % trained staff for the past years and is expecting after the 2012 CPCE graduation another 22 trained teachers who will be assigned to the Region which would bring the total to 39 % which she indicated is still not sufficient.
CSEC saw 10 % passes in English in Grades I, II and III and Mathematics a 6% pass mark. At Paramakatoi the school has only one trained English teacher and a trained science teacher assisting in Mathematics. The Regional Education Officer and District Education Officers are currently visiting schools to ensure that all systems are in place for the reopening of schools.