— Minister Parag says initiative opens new pathways in engineering, architecture and design

THE first-ever AutoCAD lab in Region Five was officially commissioned on Tuesday by Minister of Education Sonia Parag at the Bygeval Secondary School in Mahaica, opening new opportunities for students to pursue careers in engineering, architecture, and other technical fields.

The new computer-aided design facility, which will also serve nearby communities and schools in Regions Four and Five, forms part of the government’s wider $65 million programme to outfit six specialised laboratories across the country as part of efforts to expand technical and vocational education across Guyana.

During her address, Minister Parag urged students to embrace technology, artificial intelligence and technical training as pathways to future careers in engineering, architecture and design.

Opening her feature address to the school and its more than 800 students, Minister Parag noted that the development of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) has long been recognised as necessary in holistically developing Guyana’s education system.

She pointed out that the inclusion of TVET within Guyana’s curriculum ensures that students are better equipped beyond the classroom, adding, “TVET has never moved the way that it has in this country as it has in the last six years,” she added.

“That is something that should be recognised because we are producing more electricians, we are producing more persons that can now pursue their degree in engineering in a different way, mechanical engineering. We are producing persons who can be community-based servicemen and women,” she said, while adding that this is important in national development at the grassroots level.

The Bygeval Secondary School AutoCAD laboratory follows the recent commissioning at Abrams Zuil Secondary School in Region Two and will soon see a national rollout with expansions planned for North Ruimveldt Secondary School, Hope Secondary School, Zeeburg Secondary School and New Amsterdam Multilateral School.

Speaking on the developmental leap in education that Guyana has seen in just a few short years, Parag stated that, “You are being aided now by technology, and you are in an era that is going to be developed by technology. You are going to become leaders in an era where technology is going to be leading.”

The move will also open new doors for students, as she added, “No longer students have to worry about only two really good jobs or two career paths or three or four career paths. You now have so many options and this is one of them.”

Another part of this holistic development of Guyana’s students will see the introduction of the driver’s theory test in the secondary school system beginning in the next school year.

“From the next school year is that we are going to introduce the driver’s theory test in the secondary school system. You will be writing your driver’s test and your certificates exiting secondary school,” Minister Parag explained.

The initiative, outlined by President Irfaan Ali, aims to produce more well-rounded students and better trained drivers on Guyana’s roadways. As Minister Parag noted, “It is to make sure that you all are aware and knowledgeable of what has to happen on the roadways and how you are supposed to contribute to making sure that drivers are safely driving on the roadways.”

Minister Parag also shared insight into the government’s investment in education. Highlighting what she described as investment in the next generation of Guyanese leaders, Minister Parag noted the introduction of the Because We Care cash grant, the development of 32 schools and expanded access to education through free tertiary education and the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL).

Speaking directly to students alongside several regional and ministry officials, including newly appointed Regional Executive Officer, Mary Samaroo and Regional Vice-Chairman, Kleon Lindey, the minister stated that, “You will be the future of this country. And you have to decide whether you are going to make a positive impact in your country or you are not going to. Be a part of the transformation, and everything that we are doing is to make sure that you benefit from it.”