— President Ali urges pupils to embrace new opportunities as gov’t reaffirms commitment to investing in education

PRESIDENT Dr Irfaan Ali has reaffirmed the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government’s commitment to sustained investment in education, assuring learners, parents and teachers that every child in Guyana deserves the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their circumstances.

In a congratulatory message posted on his social media pages on Friday, following the release of the 2026 National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) results, the President encouraged pupils to see the examination not as a final verdict on their future, but as the first step in a much larger journey.

“The NGSA is not the finish line; it is the starting line. The results at the NGSA do not define your destination. This simply opens the door to your next adventure,” the President said.

With pupils preparing to transition to secondary school in September, President Ali acknowledged that while many would be excited, others may feel anxious about entering a new environment. However, he encouraged them to embrace the opportunities ahead.

Drawing on his own experiences, the President recalled that although moving to secondary school initially seemed daunting, it became a place where lifelong friendships were formed, values were shaped and teachers inspired students to believe in themselves.

“My experience helped me to appreciate that schools do more than educate minds; they build character, inspire dreams and shape futures,” he said.

The President also reminded learners that success is determined not by the name of the school they attend but by the effort and commitment they demonstrate each day.

“Some students may receive exactly the school they hoped for. Others may have wished for a different outcome. But remember, it is not the name of the school that determines your future. It is the commitment you bring into the classroom every single day,” the President said.

He encouraged students to challenge themselves academically, read widely, ask questions, respect their teachers and support their classmates, while never allowing one examination to define their future.

“Your future will not be written by one examination. It will be written by thousands of choices you make from this day forward,” President Ali told the young learners.

The Head of State also expressed gratitude to parents, guardians, teachers and families for the sacrifices they made to support the children throughout their primary education.

He said their encouragement and dedication played a significant role in the achievements celebrated on Friday.

Reiterating the PPP/C government’s focus on education, President Ali said continued investments are being made to ensure all children have access to quality learning opportunities.

“As your President, I want every student to know that my Government believes in you. We’re investing heavily in education because we believe that every child deserves every opportunity to succeed,” he said.

According to the President, those investments include the construction of new schools, improvements to classrooms, expanded access to technology, strengthened teacher training programmes, increased learning resources and greater material support for families.

“We’re doing all of this because we believe that when we invest in education, we’re investing in Guyana’s future,” he said.

President Ali further stressed that no child should be prevented from achieving his or her full potential because of personal or economic circumstances.

“Our commitment is that no child should be denied the opportunity to achieve his or her fullest potential because of circumstance. That is why we continue to provide the resources, the facilities, the opportunities and the support to help each of you become the very best version of yourselves,” President Ali said.

As students prepare to enter secondary school, the President urged them to walk into their new classrooms with confidence and optimism.

“Walk with confidence, walk with hope, walk with your heads held high, because each of you is worth much more than any exam result. Walk into your new schools believing that your greatest achievements still lie ahead.”

He concluded by expressing confidence that the next generation will continue to drive Guyana’s development.

“The future of Guyana is sitting in today’s classrooms, and I have every confidence that your generation will build a nation that is stronger, smarter and even more prosperous than the one we know today,” President Ali said.

TRANSFORMING EDUCATION

The President’s remarks come against the backdrop of what has been the largest expansion of public investment in education in Guyana’s history.

Since returning to office in 2020, the PPP/C administration has more than tripled education spending, increasing annual allocations from G$52 billion in 2020 to G$183.6 billion in 2026—an increase of more than 250 per cent. Cumulative investment in the sector over the period now exceeds G$600 billion, reflecting the government’s long-term strategy of building a modern, inclusive and world-class education system.

Among the major initiatives has been the removal of tuition and facility fees at the University of Guyana, making tertiary education free while significantly expanding access to higher education. In the 2026 budget, the university received G$14.5 billion, alongside an additional G$1 billion to decentralise its medicine and engineering programmes.

The government has also significantly expanded the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) programme, allocating G$5.8 billion this year and removing limits on approved applications to eliminate waiting lists for scholarships.

Direct assistance to families has likewise been strengthened through the enhanced G$85,000 student support package, which includes the G$60,000 “Because We Care” cash grant, a G$5,000 school uniform allowance, and a G$20,000 transportation allowance aimed at improving attendance and reducing the financial burden on parents.

At the same time, billions of dollars continue to be invested in educational infrastructure, with G$24.3 billion allocated in 2026 to construct and complete more than 40 new schools, while expanding student dormitories in hinterland communities such as Jawalla and Santa Rosa to improve access for children living in remote areas.

The government has also continued to invest in teachers through salary increases, expanded training opportunities and increased classroom resource grants, while strengthening literacy and numeracy programmes across the country.