TEACHERS across Region Six recorded an impressive 97 per cent turnout as schools reopened on Monday, while student attendance stood at 83 per cent, the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Six was told on Thursday.
The figures were presented at the region’s statutory meeting as education officials provided an update on the reopening of schools across the East Berbice-Corentyne region following extensive preparations.
Officials reported that all schools across the region were successfully opened, though there were a few minor challenges at some of the educational facilities.
In preparation for the reopening of the schools, Member of Parliament, Zamal Hussain and Regional Chairman, Junior Basant led a team that checked each building. Engineers, contractors, and electrical and plumbing teams were mobilised to ensure that schools were ready and that all outstanding work was dealt with promptly.
“All of our schools were opened but some of our schools had some minor issues. Even though we were all going out…we had contractors and we had our electrical and plumbing crew out to work. We tried to get furniture to our schools,” the council was told.
Ahead of the reopening, teams had been conducting inspections at schools throughout the region to assess their readiness, identify outstanding works and ensure that classrooms and other facilities were prepared to accommodate teachers and students.
Approximately 21,250 learners, and over 2,300 teachers are set to restart school within the region.
Member of Parliament, Zamal Hussain, had stressed that considerable resources have been directed towards upgrading and maintaining schools across the region, including improvements to classrooms, sanitary facilities, school compounds and other critical infrastructure necessary to support teaching and learning.
Against this backdrop, the MP urged children, teachers and other users of the facilities to take note of the improvements that have been made, stressing that maintenance is just as important as the investment that would have been incurred.
He pointed out that the upgrades are ultimately intended to benefit the school population, and ensure that students as well as pupils can pursue their education in safe, clean and comfortable surroundings, while teachers are provided with an environment conducive to carrying out their duties.
Hussain further stressed that the headteachers and deputy teachers have an important role to play in the schools.
“They have to ensure that the system works for the children; the education system [and] they have to protect it. That is part of their duty. And the curriculum, too. We have seen excellent results from the children of Region Six, and we want to ensure that continues,” he had said.
