–in the quest to improve, transform the education sector

Dear Editor,
THE Ministry of Education is committed to providing the best learning and teaching environments for the nation’s children and teachers. In this regard, work is continuously being done to ensure that the necessary physical infrastructure is provided and equipped with the required tools, in keeping with recognised standards and best practices.

This entails, but is not limited to, refurbishing existing schools and centres, outfitting institutions with the requisite equipment, and in some instances constructing new edifices to better serve the needs of the country. Over the last three years, 23 schools were built to better serve the needs of the nation’s children and teachers.

In February of this year, the Ministry of Education commissioned science laboratories in Regions Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

In Region Six, science laboratories were commissioned at the following schools: Canje Secondary, Vryman’s Erven Secondary, and the Berbice Education Institute. In Region Five, the Woodley Park Secondary School is now equipped with its own science laboratory. In that same month, the New Amsterdam Primary School was given 12 desktop computers and accompanying accessories to aid its Information Technology programme.

Editor, with these new facilities and equipment, the Ministry of Education is expecting improved performances by students in the targeted subject areas, particularly with the prominence given to subjects which fall under the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) umbrella.

Moreover, the Ministry of Education is cognisant that modern facilities are needed across Guyana in order to improve the quality of education being delivered to children, and to ensure that children and teachers can function optimally under the right conditions.

Earlier this year, the Ministry of Education commissioned two new nursery schools in Region Nine (Upper Takatu-Upper Essequibo). These new schools are the Parikwarunau and Arapaima Nursery Schools. Also, the Ministry commissioned in Lethem, the town’s first ‘smart’ classroom at the Learning Resource Centre.

These new facilities are testimony that the Ministry of Education is serious about bridging the gap that exists between the hinterland and coastland communities with regards to education.

In March of this year, Kato Secondary School in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) was finally commissioned following a number of issues which delayed its completion. During the commissioning exercise, it was noted that the school was built as a response to overcrowding that was taking place at the Paramakatoi Secondary School.

Recognising the needs of the community, the Ministry of Education decided that it was of paramount importance that an additional secondary school in sub-region One was built to serve the education needs of the region.
On the note of responding to the needs of communities, the Ministry of Education, through the Guyana Secondary Education Improvement Project (GSEIP) that is funded by the World Bank.

Through this project, the construction of new secondary schools has begun. In 2020, the Ministry of Education is expected to commission the Good Hope Secondary School in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) and the Westminster Secondary School in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara).

These schools will have the capacity to accommodate 800 and 1000 students respectively. The institutions are intended to cater to the education needs of the new housing schemes and their neighbouring communities.

Ultimately, the Ministry of Education recognises that an important aspect of improving the quality of education delivered to students is the provision of the required infrastructure so that students can be properly accommodated and exposed to the correct environment.
Though it would be excellent to transform all schools and institutions overnight, the Ministry of Education recognises that the necessary changes will take time, but its work will never cease as we endeavour to improve and transform the education sector.
Kindest regards,
Ministry of Education
Public Relations Department