–President Ali announces, commissions new wing at North Ruimveldt Secondary School

PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali has announced that over 4,000 youths from across South Georgetown will soon benefit from a new FIFA-certified pitch, along with a 300-meter athletic track in the compound of the North Ruimveldt Secondary School.

The President made this announcement on Monday at the commissioning of a new $600 million wing at the school.
He underscored that the initiative is designed not just as an investment in sports, but also as part of an ecosystem of education, community upliftment, and youth development.
“It’s about nurturing confidence; capable and responsible citizens who can build prosperous lives for themselves and their families with combined investment, dedication and focus, will ensure that our children are ready to meet the challenge of tomorrow, to step into a future that is bright, rewarding and full of promise,” President Ali said.

The initiative is designed to support the over 4,000 students drawn from North Ruimveldt, East Ruimveldt, South Ruimveldt, Tucville and Lodge Secondary Schools.
To support the infrastructure, the President proposed the forming of an integrated alliance of coaches, teachers and volunteers to support the children.
The government will also provide coaches to strengthen physical training and mentoring, while the Men on Mission (MOM) programme will contribute 60 voluntary hours monthly to support students’ personal development.

President Ali had previously mandated that all public schools will now move to dedicate Fridays to physical education classes.
This is part of a larger national push to tackle screen addiction among children, reduce sedentary lifestyles, and instill lifelong habits of health, teamwork, and discipline.

Ultimately, the President said, the goal is to create an ecosystem where communities can thrive, ensuring that children have access to quality education.
“What we’re doing here is part of a broader effort to equalise the delivery of quality education… The North Ruimveldt Secondary School will be fully equipped to provide the kind of comprehensive and balanced education that combines strong academic grounding with practical hands-on learning with modern science labs, smart classrooms and technical workshops,” he added.

Education Minister Priya Manickchand recounted when the old wing that once housed several classrooms and laboratories was destroyed by a fire back in 2021.
The school was destroyed just before the full resumption of in-person classes after the COVID-19 pandemic was brought under control. It was then that the government committed to the rebuilding of the structure.

The new facility includes classrooms, science labs, a library, and staff rooms. Additional improvements included refurbishing the auditorium, canteen, and dining area, landscaping, and repainting administrative blocks.

The minister noted that the government is making conscious, equitable investments which have improved educational outcomes nationwide. The new wing and additional improvements, saw an investment of over $600 million.

The level A institution which boasts an 85.06 per cent pass rate at the recent The Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination, will celebrate its 50th anniversary later next month.