IN a move to directly engage with local communities and address pressing concerns, Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, not only inaugurated new libraries at Tuschen Primary School, Greenwich Park Primary School, and Parika Salem Primary School, on Tuesday but also held public meetings with residents of these areas.

The meetings allowed the Minister to address a range of community issues, both related and unrelated to education, demonstrating the government’s commitment to open communication and responsive action.

Minister Manickchand’s visit was part of the Ministry of Education’s initiative to expand access to library resources in primary schools. The new libraries, aimed at fostering literacy, creativity, and independent learning, will serve as key educational resources within these communities. In addition to cutting the ribbons, Minister Manickchand took the time to speak with local residents in each area, responding directly to their concerns and pledging to follow up on those beyond her ministry’s scope.

During the meeting at Tuschen Primary School, the Minister engaged in a spirited dialogue with residents, addressing topics such as infrastructure quality, public health, and community safety. While some concerns extended beyond the education sector, Minister Manickchand assured the community that those issues would be relayed to relevant government authorities for action.

In Greenwich Park, Minister Manickchand discussed ongoing education reforms with parents and teachers, explaining how those changes will benefit learners and improve teaching conditions. She also listened to concerns about infrastructure needs, student transportation, and other community challenges, acknowledging that while some issues require time and coordinated effort, they remain priorities for the government.

At Parika Salem Primary School, the Minister fielded questions from both parents and teachers, who raised concerns not only about education but also about road conditions and access to healthcare services. Minister Manickchand emphasised that those matters would be brought to the attention of the appropriate ministries, promising follow-up on behalf of the community.

Throughout the day, Minister Manickchand reinforced the government’s commitment to education as a foundational element of national development. She highlighted the importance of addressing broader community needs to foster sustainable growth, demonstrating that the government values an inclusive approach to addressing local challenges.

The Minister thanked residents for their active participation and encouraged them to continue collaborating with the Ministry of Education to drive positive change. As part of her support for the Libraries in Primary Schools Initiative, she noted that access to books and educational materials was vital for the intellectual growth of children and the cultivation of informed, well-rounded citizens.

With more library openings and community engagements planned in the coming months, the Ministry of Education is committed to strengthening educational infrastructure and ensuring the voices of all citizens are heard and addressed.