MISCHKA White, Principal at the School of the Nations, has expressed strong support for the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), stating the party’s record in education and sector-wide development over the last five years demonstrates why it deserves a second term in office.
White, who is also on the PPP/C’s list of candidates for the September 1 general and regional elections, highlighted the progress made in education and the opportunities now available to students across Guyana.
White emphasised that children now have access to textbooks from nursery through secondary school, noting that such resources were not available previously and emphasising the overall improvements in educational materials.
“We have more trained teachers, access to resources for children. You also have the Guyana Learning Channel. So, there are more avenues for children to go further if they want to. And most importantly, for parents to support their children at home.”
She shared these observations on a recent episode of the Starting Point podcast.
White credited her interest in politics to her family, explaining that her grandfather was a strong supporter of the PPP/C while her grandmother supported the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R), yet there was never a political divide in her household.
As she grew older, her grandfather instilled in her the lesson that politics is about listening to people, taking responsibility for one’s words, and owning up to mistakes.
He also encouraged her to serve her country, explaining that when the nation calls on her in the future, the only party that would allow her to make a meaningful difference is the PPP/C.
A lifelong patriot, White said her passion for Guyana has guided her career and personal choices. She revealed that she has turned down opportunities to work abroad, explaining, “I refuse to develop another country when I can stay and develop my own.”
She described her decision to enter politics as a continuation of that commitment, stating, “This is the time when I can be of greater service for my country, for the people of my country, hence the leap [into politics].”
White also weighed in on education-related policies from other parties, noting that while several parties have proposed manifestos with a focus on education, she believes the PPP/C has already set the path for lasting transformation.
The veteran educator pointed out that numerous initiatives outlined in the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) manifesto are already being carried out by the PPP/C, emphasising that the party has been actively and vigorously implementing these programmes.
Highlighting the tangible results achieved under the PPP/C, White pointed to the construction of schools and improvements in teacher training.
“In three and a half years, the Ministry of Education has built 157 schools, of which 67 are primary schools. We have almost the highest rate of trained teachers. On the coast, 98 per cent of the teachers are trained. In the hinterland, it is at 86 per cent. Access to education is easier now because there are more schools, particularly in the hinterland region.”
She expressed particular excitement about the developments in the hinterland regions, highlighting the PPP/C’s commitment to promoting equality in the education sector.
“Regardless of where you are in Guyana, you have access to the same quality of education. You have access to the same materials, and the Guyana Digital School is making it even more exciting. The changes to the nursery curriculum will help children read faster, and we also have to include Artificial Intelligence,” she stated.
For White, these developments demonstrate that meaningful transformation is possible when a party prioritises education and social development.
She believes that the PPP/C’s achievements provide a strong foundation for further progress and underscore why the party merits the support of Guyanese in the upcoming elections.
“The PPP/C’s programmes are designed to take Guyana forward for more than 10 years. Education is critical to everything we want for our economy,” White affirmed.