THE Ministry of Education’s National Mathematics Intervention Awareness Campaign is making significant strides in addressing the country’s mathematics challenges, with Minister Priya Manickchand and her team continuing their outreach efforts. The campaign, on its third day, on Tuesday, aims to improve ‘math’ performance nationwide, particularly for students in Grades 10 and 11, who have struggled with low pass rates in recent years.

Minister Manickchand has already visited schools on the Essequibo Coast in Region 2, including Charity Secondary School, Cotton Field Secondary, Aurora Secondary, Abram Zuil Secondary, and Johanna Cecilia Secondary. Additionally, schools in other parts of Guyana such as Covent Garden Secondary, Annandale Secondary, Bladen Hall Multilateral School, and Hope Secondary have also been part of the initial phase of the campaign. These schools are among the 50 identified for targeted support due to their historically low mathematics pass rates.

The initiative, launched in response to declining results at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination, is more than just an awareness campaign. It is a comprehensive, multi-level intervention designed to help students build a solid foundation in mathematics. With only a small percentage of students achieving passing grades in recent years, the Ministry of Education is taking proactive measures to reverse this trend and equip students with the necessary skills to excel.

As part of the campaign’s support for students and teachers, the Ministry has introduced a mathematics support hotline, 736-MATH, to provide assistance with any challenges related to math instruction. To further bolster math preparedness, the Ministry launched the Quiz Me app, offering students practice on multiple-choice, exam-style questions. These resources are part of an intensive effort to make math practice and help accessible for all.

In addition, a team of 50 math monitors, including retired teachers, math degree holders, and university lecturers, has been deployed to work directly with the identified schools. These monitors are embedded in classrooms to assist with teaching strategies and to identify gaps in students’ understanding. The goal is to improve the quality of math instruction and ensure students are receiving the support they need.

Minister Manickchand has emphasised the importance of parent involvement in this initiative. She urged parents to encourage disciplined study habits and to make sure students are utilising available resources such as geometry sets, scientific calculators, and online content. With these tools in place, students are expected to manage their time effectively and aim for their full potential.

Addressing the national challenge of low math pass rates, Minister Manickchand acknowledged that the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) is implementing a plan for change starting in 2026. However, she stressed that Guyana cannot wait, stating, “The success of our children is within reach, and we are taking action now to ensure our students have the support they need to succeed in mathematics.”

A key feature of the campaign is the interactive content led by Sir Leon Beaton, Education Officer and Coordinator for the Math Intervention. Sir Beaton’s “Beatin’ Da Maths” programme airs weekly on Wednesdays at 7PM, offering students a fun and engaging way to practise problem-solving and tackle math challenges. The Ministry also produces topic-based math videos that align with the national curriculum. These videos, available on the Ministry’s Facebook page and the Guyana Learning Channel’s social media platforms, provide students with detailed explanations and problem-solving strategies.

The National Mathematics Intervention Awareness Campaign is a call to action for everyone involved in the education system—teachers, students, and parents alike. Minister Manickchand has called on teachers to be punctual, prepared, and fully engaged in this national effort. She also emphasised that while students have access to resources, their success ultimately depends on their discipline, time management, and commitment to their studies.

As the campaign continues to gather momentum, the Ministry is hopeful that this multi-faceted approach will yield positive results in the 2025 CSEC math exams. By providing resources, on-the-ground support, interactive programming, and encouraging family engagement, the Ministry of Education is ensuring that students are not only prepared for exams but are set up for long-term academic success.