THE recent strides in Guyana’s education sector signal a transformative era, marked by a substantial increase in the number of trained teachers and significant improvements in teacher welfare.

The Ministry of Education has reported an impressive growth in the teaching workforce and the quality of education, thanks to deliberate policy decisions and strategic investments.
When the current government took office in August 2020, there were 10,000 teachers in the public education system. Today, that number has surged to 14,000, with an additional 2,000 teachers in training. This expansion reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing educational standards across the nation.

One of the standout achievements is the remarkable increase in graduates from the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE). In 2023, over 188 teachers from the hinterland completed their training at CPCE, a staggering 488 percent increase from the mere 32 hinterland graduates in 2019. Overall, 1,796 teachers from both the hinterland and the coast graduated in 2023. These numbers underscore the success of the government’s expansion of CPCE and its dedication to producing well-trained educators.

Education Minister Priya Manickchand highlighted the success of this initiative, noting that Guyana has achieved an average of about 99 percent trained teachers.

The Minister emphasised the government’s support for further education, with 30 percent of the current teachers pursuing advanced degrees, masters, and PhDs at no personal cost. This policy ensures that teachers are better equipped to provide high-quality education, leading to better salaries, more opportunities for promotion, and enhanced leadership roles within schools.
However, the journey to achieving 100 percent trained teachers is ongoing. Minister Manickchand acknowledged that it might not be practical for older teachers to undergo formal training, but assured that they are receiving the necessary support to continue their valuable work.

The government’s investment extends beyond training, encompassing a suite of incentives to improve teachers’ welfare. These include increased allowances, scholarships, and duty-free concessions. Since September 2020, over $700 million has been allocated to correct teachers’ salaries, alongside various allowances: $10,000 for university graduates, $6,000 for postgraduate diploma holders, $20,000 for master’s degree holders, and $30,000 for those with doctoral degrees.

Furthermore, graduate teachers are now paid at the highest level of their respective skills, and more than 3,800 scholarships have been provided.

The government’s commitment to teachers also includes annual duty-free concessions, with 50 issued each year, and grants totaling $3.1 billion for purchasing teaching materials in 2024 alone. These comprehensive measures are designed to ensure that teachers are well-supported and motivated, ultimately benefiting the students and the broader educational landscape.

This editorial commends the government’s substantial investments and strategic initiatives in the education sector. The increase in trained teachers, the expanded opportunities for further education, and the generous welfare incentives collectively represent a game-changing era for Guyana’s education system. The nation can look forward to a brighter future, where every child has access to quality education delivered by well-trained and well-supported teachers.