CONSTRUCTION of a new $400 million-plus annex at St. Joseph High School officially commenced on Wednesday, with government officials and representatives of the World Bank hailing the project as a major investment in quality, inclusive and accessible education.
The sod-turning ceremony, hosted by the Ministry of Education in collaboration with the Office of the First Lady, marked the start of works on the new facility at the Woolford Avenue, Georgetown institution, which is expected to accommodate an additional 250 students in the upper sixth form and help alleviate overcrowding at the school.
The new block, which is being supported through funding from the World Bank, will feature 10 classrooms, an AutoCAD laboratory, home management classrooms, modern sanitary facilities for students and staff, a sick bay, counselling room and other amenities. The facility will also be fully wheelchair accessible and is scheduled for completion within 10 months.
Speaking at the ceremony, First Lady Arya Ali described the project as a “historic” investment that extends beyond physical infrastructure to represent a commitment to the nation’s youth and their future.
“This ceremony lays a foundation for opportunity, community growth and transformation,” Mrs. Ali said. “Each brick that will be placed and each structure erected signifies our collective confidence in the young Guyanese who will become the leaders, innovators, educators and nation builders of tomorrow.”
She noted that the investment reflects the government’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the education sector and ensuring that all children have access to quality learning environments that foster excellence and inspire achievement.
“This new annex that accommodates an additional 250 students prioritises investment in the minds, talents and aspirations of our nation’s greatest resource—our children,” the First Lady said.
Mrs. Ali also highlighted the collaborative nature of the project, noting that the partnership among the government, the World Bank and other stakeholders demonstrates a shared commitment to unlocking the potential of Guyana’s youth.
The First Lady further emphasised that the facility’s inclusive design would ensure that students of all abilities feel supported and empowered to achieve their full potential.
Education Minister Sonia Parag, in her remarks, said President Dr Irfaan Ali has prioritised ensuring that students across Guyana have access to educational opportunities and resources comparable to those available in Georgetown.
The minister stated that Guyana is on track to achieve universal access to secondary education by the end of this year, with the completion of several major infrastructure projects across the country.
She described the St. Joseph High School expansion as part of President Ali’s broader vision for transforming the education sector and expanding access to quality education nationwide.
Providing an overview of the project, Principal Tulsidai Raghubansi said the new annex represents tangible evidence of the government’s commitment to expanding educational opportunities while providing safe, modern and inclusive learning environments.
She noted that the facility has been designed with several safety and sustainability features, including enhanced lighting and ventilation systems, modern fire safety mechanisms, improved drainage infrastructure and elevated floor levels to improve flood resilience.
“As Principal of St. Joseph High School, I view this project not only as an expansion of our physical infrastructure, but as an investment in our students,” Raghubansi said. “Your future matters. Your education and your country believe in your potential.”
World Bank Senior Education Specialist, Lauren Marston, reaffirmed the institution’s long-term commitment to supporting Guyana’s education sector, noting that the country has consistently demonstrated both the capacity and political will to invest in its people.
“Investing in people is the most powerful investment a country can make, and Guyana has shown this through its continuous commitment to education at every level,” Marston said. “We are not here simply as financiers, but as partners with a long-term commitment to the Ministry of Education and the people of Guyana.”
The sod-turning ceremony was attended by First Lady, Arya Ali; Education Minister, Sonia Parag; Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Steven Jacobs; World Bank officials, students, members of the school’s Parent-Teacher Association and Board, and other government representatives.