–with commissioning of modern nursery schools

RESIDENTS of Mashabo and Tapakuma Lake, on Tuesday, celebrated a major milestone with the commissioning of modern nursery schools in the villages.
Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, during the commissioning ceremony of the Mashabo Nursery School, said the initiative is part of the government’s commitment to ensuring that every child, regardless of location, has access to quality early childhood education.
“This is one of 67 nursery schools built across Guyana in the last three and a half years—the most ever constructed by any government in such a short time,” Minister Manickchand said.

“Now you have a brand-new building, not an old kitchen converted into a classroom or the bottom of someone’s house, but an edifice with beautiful, dedicated space for young learners,” she added.

The minister highlighted that Mashabo is undergoing rapid transformation, with massive infrastructure development and expanded teacher training within Region Two.
“This is not a village that is forgotten. Services that never reached the people before are now here because of the PPP/C’s commitment,” she added.
Assistant Chief Education Officer for Nursery Education, Devendre Persaud, described the commissioning as more than the opening of a school, but also the creation of opportunities.

“Development is not limited by geography. Infrastructure will go wherever people live. This building is a symbol of equity in education and of a nation moving forward,” he said.

Persaud urged teachers to maintain the school with pride and give children the strongest possible foundation for learning.
“When learning takes place in a conducive environment, it becomes a centre of excellence,” he remarked.
Minister Manickchand also reminded residents of the government’s fulfilled promises in education since 2021, including the increase of the Because We Care cash grant from $10,000 to $55,000, provision of textbooks, implementation of a breakfast programme in Mashabo, and a 50 per cent rise in NGSA examination performance. Minister Manickchand said that more and more teachers are being trained to deliver.

Toshao of Mashabo, Henry Hendricks, expressed his gratitude, saying, “I am proud and happy for the new school. The Government of Guyana has made this possible.”
Acting Headteacher of Mashabo Nursery, Manesha Deochand, said the commissioning marks a new chapter for the community.
“We are committed to serving our learners and ensuring they receive a quality education,” she affirmed.

Parents extended gratitude to the Ministry of Education and the President of Guyana for this intervention.
Headteacher of the Mashabo Primary School Modi Beepats said that the school grades have improved, and children are doing better.

He said that the children are also offered hot meals and lunch, while attendance rates have also improved. He thanked the Minister and her team for boosting education delivery.

At Tapakuma, Minister Manickchand said the village has now benefited from its own separate nursery facility, which will serve 17 children.
The move alleviates overcrowding at Tapakuma Primary, which previously struggled to accommodate both nursery and primary learners in one space.

Regional Chairperson Vilma De Silva noted that 13 new schools have been built in Region Two since 2020, including four nursery schools.

She recalled how, in the past, accessing education meant paddling a canoe; today, boats with engines have made travel easier.
“Education is being delivered regardless of geographic location,” she said, describing the PPP/C as a caring government.
Toshao of Tapakuma, Keanu Thomas, expressed pride in the new school, calling it an important addition to the community’s history.

Acting Headteacher Kaameshwarie Barker said the building opens new opportunities for young minds, while teacher Esta Cornelius shared that children are now much more comfortable. She thanked President, Dr. Irfaan Ali for fulfilling his promise to the community.