A FOURTEEN million primary school will soon be established in Rupertee village, Region Nine, in keeping with the government’s commitment to providing access to primary education in hinterland communities. Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall, made the disclosure to residents during his recent outreach to the region.
“Rupertee will finally have a primary school and we intend to start the infrastructural works this year. By this time next year, your children will no longer need to walk far to go to school,” he said. In 2019, residents lobbied the former government for a primary school to address the challenges children face in accessing education. Children currently attend the Annai Primary School, some three miles away.  The minister gave assurances that the school will enable a conducive learning environment for students. Further, villagers will be employed by the project, in an effort to fulfil the government’s promise to create jobs for citizens. Senior Councillor, Suresh Andries, thanked the government for the intervention, noting that “the school will help us a lot, especially the children who have to walk long and far. We had been waiting for this so long and now it is finally here.” Andries also requested school crossing signs and other road safety interventions to ensure students remain safe. The Ministry of Education allocated some $10 million in its 2021 Budget for feasibility studies for the construction of new schools in the hinterland and remote communities. Minister, Priya Manickchand, said the move will ensure Guyana achieves universal nursery, primary and secondary education. (DPI)