As CPCE graduates 364 teachers…
CYRIL Potter College of Education (CPCE) graduated 364 more teachers, on Thursday, after they completed a three-year training programme. At the CPCE 76th Graduation, in the Georgetown located National Cultural Centre (NCC), Education Minister Shaik Baksh challenged the graduates to carry the lantern of learning throughout Guyana.
He said the number graduating from CPCE points to the strength of the local education sector.
“I realise that this number will have to increase every year, as we need more trained teachers emerging from CPCE and the University of Guyana,” Mr. Baksh said.
He pointed out that this is necessary if the sector is to achieve a target of 70 per cent trained teachers in the system by 2013.
Baksh encouraged the now trained teachers to further their studies at UG, noting that will give them the opportunity to implement new visions supported by policies, programmes, innovations and strategies to transform Guyana.
He alluded to the important role Information Technology (IT) will play in their ability to reach students across the regions of the country.
Baksh also announced that, from the September, in order to facilitate the revolutionising of the process, UG will be offering an Associate Degree in Education that would allow undergraduates to complete the course in four years, as opposed to eight years through the current programme.
FASTER TURNOVER
He assured that the change would facilitate a faster turnover of teachers in the school system and the education train to be producing the human resources needed.
Baksh admonished the graduates to be committed to the task with which they are faced and ensure that their students benefit from a high standard of learning.
“You have to ensure that you are dedicated and committed, as this is a weak point in the education system,” he told them.
Baksh urged the teachers to go forward, achieve excellence and make commitment their mantra, because it would empower them to contribute to an improved education system and a prosperous Guyana.
Guest Speaker and past student of CPCE, Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice of Appeal Carl Singh commended the graduates on their achievement.
“You deserve to feel exhilarated as you have the responsibility to mould the young lives in your charge,” he told the graduates.
The judge observed that today’s society is more complex and there will be many challenges ahead, as students are being transformed by the technological explosion.
He acknowledged that teachers have a central role to play in instilling qualities which would enable them to develop academically sound students, who will be beneficiaries of a well-rounded education.
“You can make a difference by the exemplification of positive values,” Justice Singh maintained.
CPCE Principal, Ms. Deborah Thomas, expressed pride at the number of graduates and said it reflects the fact that the institution remains a noble one that works together with the Ministry of Education to ensure that the end products are equipped with skills and competencies to be qualified teachers.
Congratulating the graduating batch, she voiced concern over the small number of males registered at CPCE, accounting for 13 per cent, in comparison to 87 per cent females.
Thomas reminded the group that they stand on the brink to make a difference in the lives of children.
“You have only just begun. This is your first step in the shaping process towards becoming a product of which the nation will be proud,” she charged them.