IN a ground-breaking initiative to support bilingual learners, the Ministry of Education’s Migrant Education Support Unit (MESU) successfully concluded its two-week English as a Second Language (ESL) Adventure Camp on Friday.

The programme, which saw participation from 458 students across regions 1, 2, 3, 4, and 9, marks a significant step forward in the ministry’s efforts to provide inclusive education for all learners in Guyana.

The ESL Adventure Camp, designed to enhance English Language proficiency through engaging and enjoyable activities, has been hailed as a resounding success by educators, parents, and students alike.
Renita Barnes, Senior Education Officer, shared insights on the overwhelmingly positive feedback received.

“Parents have welcomed this initiative with open arms. The students were overjoyed with the opportunity to not only learn and develop new skills but also to forge new friendships.”

The camp’s success is particularly noteworthy given the unique challenges faced by migrant students in accessing public education. Rampattie Prashad-Bisnauth, Coordinator of the Migrant Unit, emphasised the camp’s role in addressing these challenges.

“Our goal was to provide a positive learning experience tailored to the specific needs of migrant students,” Prashad-Bisnauth explained. “This camp is just one part of our broader effort to support and integrate migrant learners into the public school system.”

The initiative’s impact was evident at the celebratory event held at the Ministry of Education grounds, where learners from regions 3 and 4 gathered to receive certificates and backpacks.

Parents’ enthusiasm for the programme was palpable, with many expressing the hope for its continuation and expansion in the coming years. This sentiment underscores the critical need for such initiatives in supporting Guyana’s increasingly diverse population.

The ESL Adventure Camp aligns with the broader objectives of the School Support Services Units, which aim to strengthen connections between families, schools, and communities. By focusing on language skills, the camp not only aids academic performance but also facilitates better integration of migrant students into their new social and educational environments.

As Guyana continues to experience demographic shifts due to migration, initiatives like the ESL Adventure Camp play a crucial role in ensuring that all students, regardless of their background, have the opportunity to succeed in the education system.