THE nationwide launch of Guyana’s new Physical Education, Sports, and Recreation programme is a significant move that should never be underestimated.
Minister of Education Sonia Parag’s leadership in rolling out this initiative in over 30 public schools marks the start of what could be the most significant wellness effort in Guyana’s educational history.
President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s decision to dedicate Friday afternoons to physical activity comes from a serious reality that we cannot ignore. The Ali administration acknowledges what medical experts around the world are warning: Excessive screen time is leading to a generation of children living sedentary lives, thus harming their physical and mental development.
The partnership between the Ministry of Education and the Guyana Defence Force is a smart move in programme design. Colonel Kenlloyd Roberts has emphasised that the GDF’s role is supportive; they provide structure, expertise, and training to help teachers conduct safe and enjoyable physical activities. This isn’t about enforcing military drills; it’s about using institutional knowledge to create a lasting framework for physical education in all regions.
What makes this initiative especially appealing is its broad approach to tackling the “device-led world” that President Ali has rightly pointed out is harmful to human development. The programme features a variety of activities—from warm-ups and dance to cricket, football, and obstacle courses—giving students options beyond the endless scrolling and gaming that have taken over their free time. Minister Parag’s comment that, “You may never know what you possess until you are able to do something different,” highlights the programme’s ability to awaken talents that remain hidden in children addicted to screens.
The timing of this rollout is crucial. Research shows that children aged 9-12 spend over five hours a day on screens, and many struggle with concentration, social skills, and physical fitness. The programme addresses these issues by creating chances for movement, teamwork, and face-to-face interaction that screens cannot provide.
However, success depends on effective execution and ongoing commitment. The Ministry’s goal of achieving 100% participation across all public schools is ambitious but essential. Rural schools like Sand Creek Secondary in Region Nine are already showcasing creative adaptations, such as archery competitions, thereby proving that the programme can fit local needs while sticking to its main goals.
The wider implications of this initiative reach far beyond Friday afternoon activities. By making physical education a required part of public education, the government supports the overall development of Guyana’s human resources. President Ali’s vision of developing “future leaders who are not only academically competent but also physically strong and socially conscious” reflects the long-term thinking that educational policies need.
This programme needs strong support from parents, communities, and stakeholders throughout Guyana. At a time when technology addiction threatens our children’s childhood, physical fitness, and social skills, the PE Fridays initiative offers a way back to balanced human development.