DURING recent discussions surrounding the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU)-led strike, prominent figures within the educational sector have voiced their perspectives, offering a nuanced view of the advancements in education under the current People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) government.

Headmaster of the Essequibo Islands Secondary School, Sheikh Ahmad, and Headmistress of The Bishops’ High School, Shandrina Welcome-Lee, during a recent sit-down that was aired on NCN, provided deep insight into the transformative changes that have taken place in the education system, contrasting it with previous administrations.

Ahmad, drawing from his 26-year career and never having participated in a strike, underscored his commitment to his students and the positive developments in his compensation, which will see a significant increase in 2024.

“My net take home is 259,000…an increase of over 42,000…about 19%…the largest single increase in my entire career,” Ahmad stated, highlighting the government’s attention to teachers’ welfare and the substantial improvements in salary and benefits.

He also pointed out the lack of support from GTU during the COVID-19 pandemic, contrasting it with the proactive interventions by the Ministry of Education, which he believes have been pivotal in sustaining the educational momentum during challenging times.

Welcome-Lee echoed Ahmad’s sentiments, highlighting the principle of personal choice and the substantial advancements made by the ministry to support teachers and enhance the learning environment.

She specifically mentioned the introduction of cash grants, which have empowered teachers to purchase essential materials for their classrooms, thereby significantly improving the quality of education.

“Our classrooms are enhanced, and the delivery of education has been enhanced because of the cash grants,” she remarked, underscoring the tangible benefits of government policies on the ground.

Both educators highlighted several key initiatives by the PPP/C government that have directly impacted the efficiency and effectiveness of teaching in Guyana.

The simplification of administrative tasks, such as the transition from daily to weekly lesson plans, has been particularly beneficial. Ahmad detailed the reduction in paperwork, noting, “We remove a lot of record-oriented systems…let’s give the teachers the time to deliver in the classrooms” he said explained that this approach has allowed teachers to focus more on teaching and less on bureaucratic requirements.”

Furthermore, the PPP/C’s innovative approach to school funding, allowing for tailored purchases to meet specific needs, has been praised. Ahmad described this strategy as “one of the most brilliant ideas,” enabling schools to produce better results by addressing their unique challenges.

ADVANCEMENTS IN EDUCATION

Under the PPP/C government, there has been a notable emphasis on infrastructure upgrades and technological integration, with significant improvements in internet access, computer labs, and the use of cloud storage for educational resources.

These advancements have facilitated a more dynamic and interactive learning environment, preparing students for the demands of the modern world.

Ahmad and Welcome-Lee both illustrated a clear picture of progress in the education sector under the PPP/C, marked by increased support for teachers, enhanced learning environments, and a forward-thinking approach to education policy.

This year, government has unleashed an unparalleled wave of investments aimed at transforming the educational landscape into one of a world-class standard.

With a visionary allocation of $135.2 billion in 2024, following a substantial $105 billion expenditure the previous year, the commitment to nurturing a vibrant educational ecosystem is unmistakable.

This comprehensive strategy encompasses a wide array of initiatives designed to make education accessible and enriching for students at all levels, from nursery to tertiary education.

Central to this educational renaissance is the extensive use of technology and media to bridge learning gaps.

Additionally, the Ministry of Education has ingeniously created platforms such as the Guyana Learning Channel which is available on television and YouTube, alongside the innovative ‘EDPal’ app and EdYou FM radio station.

These platforms ensure that critical content, especially for pivotal examinations like the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA), the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC), and the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE), is readily accessible to all students.

Further elevating the infrastructure that underpins educational delivery, the government has earmarked substantial funds for the construction and renovation of educational facilities across the country.

A staggering $28.7 billion is allocated for enhancing schools and educational facilities, with specific allocations for primary ($3.1 billion), secondary ($16 billion), and nursery ($3 billion) institutions. These infrastructural advancements promise to provide conducive learning environments that foster academic excellence.

Additionally, the government has continued to demonstrate its support for students and families through the distribution of ‘Because We Care’ and Uniform cash grants, alongside the innovative classroom grants initiative, underscoring a holistic approach to educational support.

The school feeding programme, set to benefit some 126,000 children, and the significant investment in the University of Guyana and the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) programme, further illustrate the comprehensive measures being undertaken to ensure that every child and young adult in Guyana has the opportunity to thrive academically.

The tangible impacts of these investments are already being felt across the nation. From the coastland to the hinterland regions, students are benefitting from enhanced nutritional support through juice, biscuits, hot meals, and breakfast provisions.

The ‘Because We Care’ cash grant, now at $40,000 per child annually, together with the historic graduation of 1,796 teachers from the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) in 2023, marks a significant milestone in Guyana’s journey towards educational excellence.