THE Ministry of Amerindian Affairs has received support from Food for the Poor (FFP) to outfit the Sand Creek Secondary School dormitory in Region 9 (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo), and during a recent visit by Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Ms. Pauline Sukhai, she delivered 30 single-bed mattresses donated to the Ministry from the organisation.

Sukhai explained that the Ministry immediately thought of the school as ideal for the mattresses upon receiving the donation.
The newly constructed school is providing access to education to an additional 50 students from the North Pakaraimas in Region 8 (Potaro/Siparuni), who were mainly from the Paramakatoi Secondary, which was over- crowded. The $77.7M school opened its doors on September 3, 2012 to 88 students.
During her visit, Sukhai also spoke to the children about ensuring access to secondary education across the country and government’s incremental efforts to increase access. She explained that education at all levels will continue to be the priority focus of the government which recognises that the sector must be placed on the front burner as it is critical to youth development.
“That is why government continues to invest significantly in annual programmes such as the school uniform and the school feeding programmes and continues to enable friendly environs which students can access and learn from.”
She noted that these interventions are costly, but Government is committed to its aim of ensuring a well educated labour force for the future development of the country.

She urged the students to take the opportunity afforded them through the school, and to leave the secondary institution well-learned and equipped to stand on their own and develop Guyana.
The Sand Creek Secondary School is the newest institution serving hinterland students, bringing the total to 13. It is a two-storey building that has 15 classrooms, two laboratories, and an administrative office, Home Economics and Industrial Arts Divisions,

and a Computer room.
A large dormitory provides housing for the students who come from various districts in Region 9, and now from Region 8.
Government, cognisant of the need to continue to increase secondary access in the Hinterland, is building another school at Kato in Region 8 that will house more than 100 students.

(GINA)