EDUCATION Month 2024 is set to be observed from September 1 to October 5 under the theme, “Investing in Education, Bridging Gaps, Creating Opportunities.”
Minister of Education Priya Manickchand recently provided updates on this year’s initiatives during an interview on EdYouFM, highlighting the ministry’s ongoing efforts to promote inclusive and accessible education across Guyana.
Minister Manickchand emphasised the government’s commitment to ensuring that every child, from nursery through secondary school has access to quality education. The ministry’s goal is not only to provide access, but also to guarantee a high standard of education, life-long learning opportunities, and rigorous monitoring and evaluation systems.

A significant part of this initiative includes the construction of 26 new secondary schools across the country, adding to the existing 117 secondary schools. Minister Manickchand remarked on the scale of this undertaking, noting, “For all the time we existed, we have a hundred; we’re now building 26, so we’re building one-third of the number of schools. That’s a huge undertaking, and that’s only secondary.”

In addition to secondary schools, the ministry is also focusing on constructing new primary and nursery schools in underserved areas. Efforts are underway to extend and rehabilitate existing schools to create comfortable and conducive learning environments. This includes repairing ceilings, fences, washrooms, and ensuring proper plumbing and electricity in school facilities.

However, the minister cautioned that these improvements might take some time, urging parents, teachers, and students to remain patient. “Some of these things will take a little bit longer,” she acknowledged. “I know people are impatient, and they should be. We should all want the best right away, but we are building the most schools we ever built, with the same number of contractors, with the same level of skills.”

As part of the ongoing efforts to enhance education, Minister Manickchand emphasised the importance of parental involvement in children’s education. The ministry plans to push for greater parental engagement, highlighting its value in a child’s academic success.
With Education Month approaching, Minister Manickchand reflected on this year’s theme, underscoring the significant investments being made to improve the education system in Guyana.

“We’re investing to bridge gaps, to create opportunities for our people, and so we’re investing in physical infrastructure, teacher resources, learning resources, and better school environments to bridge the gaps that currently exist,” she explained. “All of that is done so that our people could be most competitive in the world, and so that they could be productive, to create opportunities for them to have the best life that they could possibly have and to thrive here in our beautiful Guyana.”

Looking ahead, the minister expressed her hope for more innovative teaching methods in the new school year, including the use of technology and play-based learning. As Guyana observes Education Month, the government’s substantial investments in education infrastructure and resources aim to pave the way for a brighter future for all students.