BY next year-end, thousands of children in Amerindian communities in far-flung parts of the country will be able to access a secondary education.

As the Irfaan Ali-led government pushes forward with plans to have universal secondary education by 2027, more than a dozen schools in remote areas are either being constructed or construction is slated to start soon.

The latest beneficiary is Maruranau, an Amerindian community in Region Nine, where the sod was turned on Friday to mark the commencement of the construction of a $175 million education facility. When complete, the school will be able to accommodate 400 children from that village and surrounding communities.

This school is one of seven that the government plans to construct in Region Nine alone. Presently, secondary schools are under construction at Yupukari, Nappi, Tabatinga and Karasabai, and are set to accommodate hundreds of children.

Region Nine, the largest of Guyana’s 10 administrative regions, has four secondary schools: St. Ignatius, Annai, Aishalton and Sand Creek, and so, the construction of more is a welcomed development, particularly given the topography of the region.

In Region Eight, construction works are ongoing at Kopinang, Monkey Mountain, and Micobie, while the Jawalla Secondary School and the Phillipai Secondary School in Region Seven are also under construction. Waramuri Secondary School is one of five schools being constructed in Region One.

The list above showcases how the government is honouring its word to transform education delivery with a view to bridging the divide.

It must be emphasised that ensuring every child has access to an education is a constitutional right, and everything must be done to ensure that right is upheld.

Unfortunately, many hinterland communities are located far from each other. It is with this in mind that included in the construction plans is the building of dorms to house students coming from neighbouring villages.

Residents of those communities are being given the opportunity to lay the foundation for a bright future for their children, giving them access to opportunities they never had. A strong foundation is necessary for personal growth, and for them to make a positive contribution and partake in the country’s development.

A sound secondary education can open a world of possibilities, particularly given Guyana’s current trajectory. It can allow one to embark on tertiary education, thereby laying the foundation for a successful life.

As the government continues to work feverishly towards universal education, it has shown that it is committed to spending billions of dollars to ensure the necessary infrastructure is in place to make this a reality.