HISTORY was created in Region Two (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) on Friday with the commissioning of an AutoCAD Laboratory at Abram Zuil Secondary School.
This marked a major step forward in technical and vocational education and training (TVET) delivery in Guyana, according to Minister of Education Sonia Parag during her address at the commissioning of the ‘lab’.
She described the initiative as “a gateway to opportunities”, aligning it with the theme of the launch: “Towards Enhancing and Fostering Quality, Relevance and Equitable TVET Delivery”.
Minister Parag noted that Guyana is moving steadily towards achieving universal secondary education through the construction of more schools and expanded access to learning opportunities across the country.
She highlighted that TVET in Region Two has been rapidly evolving, and the commissioning of the AutoCAD laboratory, which is a first for the region, accelerates the growth of this area.
According to the minister, the state-of-the-art facility will play a vital role in shaping Guyana’s future workforce by equipping students with modern technological skills and preparing them to become globally competitive.
She said students will now have opportunities to explore concepts in 3D design and computer-aided drafting, as technology continues to integrate societies and industries worldwide.
The minister further revealed that four additional AutoCAD laboratories are expected to be commissioned as the Ministry of Education continues to modernise technical education across Guyana.
Deputy Chief Education Officer (TVET) Dr. Ritesh Tularam described the laboratory as a significant investment in the future of students at Abram Zuil Secondary and neighbouring schools.
Dr. Tularam related that the ministry has transitioned from traditional drawing boards and set squares to modern AutoCAD systems, noting that technical education delivery has advanced significantly in recent years.
He said the modern laboratory will provide students with practical skillsets and competencies in computer-aided design and engineering, ensuring they are better prepared for future careers in technical fields.
Regional Chairman Devin Mohan said the commissioning reflects the tremendous transformation taking place within the education sector, and emphasised that the initiative promotes innovation and creativity among students.
Regional Education Officer Shondelle Hercules stated that the commissioning represents more than the opening of a laboratory, describing it as an investment in innovation, workforce development, and technological advancement.
She noted that AutoCAD is widely utilised within engineering and technical fields, and will help prepare students for meaningful career opportunities.
Hercules added that the initiative promotes equity by ensuring that technological resources become accessible to students across secondary schools in the region.
She related that the laboratory will strengthen digital competencies, support career pathways in surveying and information technology, and contribute to Guyana’s broader educational transformation and skilled workforce development.
Headteacher of Abram Zuil Secondary School Jerome Rajpersaud said the new facility was created to provide students with hands-on experiences in modern technology and technical education.
Rajpersaud expressed confidence that the laboratory will inspire excellence within the technical field, while enabling students to confidently navigate an increasingly technological world.
He thanked teachers and staff members for their dedication in ensuring the successful completion of the project and extended gratitude to the TVET Unit, the Ministry of Education, and the Government of Guyana for making the historic achievement possible.
The laboratory has been outfitted with 15 Nitro V15 computers equipped with 16GB RAM and 512GB hard drives, a 72-inch smart board, and a 24-inch plotter.
Special recognition was also given to Head of the Industrial Technology Department Rishi Narine, along with technical teachers and students who constructed the furniture for the laboratory, and worked extensively to ensure the facility was fully functional.
Also attending the ceremony was Dr. Kofi Dalrymple, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology at the University of Guyana.
