MANY persons opt to make the classroom their workstation because they want to make a difference in shaping young people’s lives and contribute to the development of their community and country.
Teaching is a multifaceted discipline that requires various skills and abilities. As such, the appropriate training and higher education are essential to developing such qualities.
Earlier this week, a total of 1,796 teachers graduated from the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) which is the only teacher training facility in Guyana. Further, this number represents the country’s largest batch to have ever graduated at one time.

Since taking office, the PPP/C has publicly declared its intention to reform the country’s education sector to ensure that quality education is offered to learners at every level. Such a goal involves ensuring that the requisite human resources are in place.
It is for this reason that the government has invested heavily in teacher training and has been increasing incentives which would convince those in the profession to remain and others who are undecided to join.

In his remarks, Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips told the graduates that the government remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering quality education by investing in tangible initiatives, including improving educational facilities, expanding the use of information and communication technology (ICT) in education, enhancing TVET facilities, and increasing scholarship opportunities, among others.

The execution of the abovementioned plans moves us one step closer to having a dedicated, qualified and passionate cadre of teachers who are tasked with the responsibly of molding the nation’s children and taking up that crucial role of helping to shape the country’s future.
A few weeks ago, President, Dr. Irfaan Ali announced that $1.9 billion in additional disposable income will go to teachers. Among the incentives included in this sum are an education allowance of $ 10,000 monthly for holders of a bachelor’s degree, $20,000 for those with a master’s degree and $30,000 for those who are holders of a doctorate, a $20,000 education allowance for teachers in remote areas, adjustments to salaries for various categories, among other measures.

The CPCE graduates were encouraged to pursue higher education so that aside from offering the best quality of education in the classroom, they can make a tangible contribution to the country’s education system.
This was a very important piece of advice particularly since Guyana is experiencing massive economic growth and has been making a name for herself on the world stage owing to the discovery of oil.

In order for us to survive in this very competitive world, we have to ensure that our people possessive the skills that will make them marketable and that our education system has all the resources necessary to make that possible. This includes a well-trained cadre of teachers, who are on par with their colleagues in the more developed countries.
The government has been encouraging teachers to attend the University of Guyana and to pursue GOAL scholarship programmes. Many of them have done so which is evidence that they are serious about self-development and offering the best possible quality of education to learners.

What is even more impressive about this year’s batch of students is that 20 per cent of the new teachers are from hinterland and riverine communities. This is the highest number behind Region Four’s 35 per cent. Over the past three years, government has been working towards bridging the various gaps that exist between the hinterland and the coastland. Access to quality education is more than likely at the top of the list.

This year’s high cohort of graduates also moves the government one step closer to its goal of having 100 per cent trained teachers in the classroom. As of now, 99.5 per cent of teachers are either trained or are in training.
The evolution of Guyana’s education system is on the right track and both President Ali and Subject Minister, Priya Manickchand have repeatedly assured this nation that they intend to pull all the stops to ensure that it is modernised and gains overwhelming recognition in the international arena.