–say it will serve to inspire children to excel academically

MINISTER of Education Priya Manickchand on Wednesday commissioned the newly-reconstructed Western Hogg Island Primary School on the Essequibo River.
The Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) facility, which cost the tidy sum of $54M, is regarded as a significant milestone in the government’s efforts to enhance education in rural communities.

According to a release from the Ministry of Education (MOE), the million-dollar project has transformed the facility into a modern and welcoming environment, specifically designed to accommodate 50 pupils from Liberty, Hogg Island, and neighbouring villages on the island.
This development, the ministry says, ensures that learners from the communities at reference now have access to education closer to home, thereby fostering inclusivity and reducing the need for lengthy and often challenging commutes.

It stated that over the years, the previous structure had fallen into a state of disrepair, making it unsuitable for effective teaching and learning. Recognising the critical need for improvement, the Ministry of Education prioritised the reconstruction of the school, demonstrating its commitment to providing equitable access to quality education across Guyana.

“The newly-upgraded facility not only offers an enhanced physical space for learning, but also represents a broader vision of bridging the gap between urban and rural education,” the ministry says.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the education minister highlighted the importance of investing in educational infrastructure to uplift communities and provide opportunities for every child, regardless of location.
She emphasised that this project is part of a larger initiative by the government to create learning environments that inspire and empower students to achieve their full potential.
The reopening of the Western Hogg Island Primary School marks a transformative moment for the region, signaling a renewed focus on the future of its children. The upgraded facility is expected to significantly improve educational outcomes by providing a comfortable and conducive learning environment.

The school is staffed by a dedicated team of five teachers, four of whom are recent graduates of the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE), with the fifth currently undergoing training.
Both parents and teachers expressed optimistically that the new school will inspire students to excel academically, while also fostering a sense of pride and belonging within the community.
Further, this milestone reflects the government’s unwavering dedication to ensuring that every child, regardless of their geographical location, has access to quality education and the tools needed to succeed.