THE Ministry of Education has intensified its efforts to strengthen inclusive education with a specialised training programme aimed at equipping teachers with practical strategies to better support blind and low-vision learners across Guyana.
The two-day training session, held from July 20 to 21, formed part of the Ministry’s continuing efforts to ensure that learners with visual impairments receive appropriate educational support and have greater opportunities to participate fully in the education system.
The initiative followed the Ministry’s appointment of dedicated personnel to support the development and advancement of Blind Education in Guyana.
Participants included teachers working with blind and low-vision learners, as well as members of the blind community who are educators. Their involvement provided an opportunity for the training to draw on both professional experience and lived perspectives in addressing the educational needs of visually impaired students.
The Ministry also recently conducted a mapping exercise that generated important information on the number and distribution of blind and low-vision learners across the country. The findings are expected to assist education officials in strengthening planning, improving the allocation of resources and developing more targeted support for affected students.
Blindness refers to a total or near-total loss of sight, while low vision is a significant visual impairment that cannot be fully corrected through glasses, contact lenses or surgery, although some usable vision may remain for learning and everyday activities.
During the training, participants were introduced to practical approaches and strategies designed to improve classroom support and help blind and low-vision learners engage more effectively in the teaching and learning process.
The programme forms part of the Ministry’s broader commitment to advancing inclusive education and ensuring that all learners, regardless of disability or individual learning needs, have access to quality education and meaningful opportunities to achieve their full potential.
