–Minister Manickchand says
–aquatic therapy pool opened at Turkeyen

THE Ministry of Education has teamed up with Trinidadian businessman and bookstore owner Terry Mohammed on a significant initiative to enhance opportunities for children with special needs.
On Saturday morning, the ministry inaugurated the Edward Mohammed Swimming Pool, named in honour of Mohammed’s son, Edward, who was born with retinal damage. Situated at the Ministry’s Special Education Needs Unit in Turkeyen, the pool is designed to meet the unique needs of children with disabilities.

Mohammed, who owns Caribbean Educational Publishers, reflected on his motivation for this initiative, stating that, “I wanted to know what I could do for the Guyanese children. After discussing with the minister, we came up with the idea of a special swimming pool for these children. And today, it is a reality. My son’s name is Edward, hence why we put the name as Edward Mohammed.”

The aquatic facility is currently utilised by 81 learners with special education needs and disabilities. The project, a collaboration between Mohammed’s Bookstore and the government, is one of the many steps being taken to bolster education and social development across Guyana. Minister of Education Priya Manickchand expressed her gratitude for the contribution, linking it to the broader mission of inclusive development.

She reflected on the economic strides the country has made, stating, “We are coming from a place where Guyana was a heavily indebted poor country. We moved into the status of a middle-income country. And I can tell you from a young serving minister what that meant. It meant we didn’t have to borrow money anymore to give our children breakfast.”
Manickchand highlighted several key achievements in the education sector, particularly the government’s commitment to expanding access to secondary education. “By next year, it’s going to be 100% of our children accessing secondary schools,” she announced, marking a major leap from the previous 30% a few years ago.

The education minister also emphasized the progress made in teacher training. “We’ve moved from a place where 33% of our teachers across this country were trained, to a place where we tell you that by next year, 100% of our teachers will be trained or in training,” she said.
Minister Manickchand made it clear that the government’s approach to development places people at the centre. She spoke passionately about ensuring inclusivity, especially for those with special education needs.

“When Guyana, with the right leadership, gets money, people benefit. People’s lives improve. And which people? All people,” she stated firmly.
In line with this commitment, the ministry has established special education spaces in 11 classrooms across the country and has launched a programme at the Cyril Potter College of Education to train teachers in special needs education.

“We are not going to leave any community behind in this new Guyana we’re building out,” Manickchand declared, reinforcing the government’s promise to provide for all citizens, including vulnerable populations.

Looking ahead, the minister unveiled plans for new infrastructure to support vulnerable communities, particularly those with hearing impairments. “Today, we commit also to building a school for the deaf with all of the acoustics and resources that that school needs,” she said, emphasizing the continued prioritization of investment in education for all.
Minister Manickchand reiterated the government’s unwavering dedication to the special education needs community. “The special education needs community will never be left behind in this country,” she assured.