The pupils, teachers and staff of the Windsor Forest Primary School will now benefit from the newly constructed kitchen and conference hall.

The US $150,000 facility which was constructed by CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited (CPGL) was on Friday afternoon commissioned by the Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand.

The project, which commenced in August, 2023 was completed in four months. Aurora Gold Mines donated $2.1 million to furnish the building with amenities such as air conditioning units, projectors and laptops. Power China also donated televisions, a refrigerator and fan for the building.

During her remarks, Minister Manickchand noted that the commissioning of the facility coincides with the 171st anniversary of Chinese Arrival in Guyana. She highlighted that over the years, the Chinese community has contributed significantly to the development of Guyana in various aspects.

The Education Minister noted that the Government of Guyana has been investing heavily in the education sector to enhance the delivery of education across the country. She expressed appreciation to the companies who contributed to the project.

Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Ms. Guo Haiyan noted that the commissioning of the kitchen and conference hall at the Windsor Forest Primary School demonstrates that Chinese companies provide important and constructive support in supporting Guyana’s development and transformation.

Meanwhile, the Headteacher of the Windsor Forest Primary School, Ms. Leela Inderdeo thanked the companies for their donations. She noted that the facility will benefit not only the pupils and teachers of the school but also the wider community.

In observance of the 171st anniversary of the arrival of Chinese in Guyana, the audience were treated to traditional Chinese performances in the form of a dragon dance and a song. (Ministry of Education press release)

Source: https://newsroom.gy/2024/01/13/windsor-forest-primary-school-gets-new-kitchen-conference-hall/

Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand recently conducted a site visit to Hosororo Secondary School in Region One to inspect progress on the $2.619 billion state-of-the-art educational facility.

A release from the Ministry of Education said that the Hosororo Secondary School will feature 29 classrooms, accommodating over 500 students from Hosororo and surrounding communities. This major upgrade includes specialized facilities such as a fully equipped science centre, which will house physics, chemistry, and biology laboratories, providing students with the resources needed for hands-on learning in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields.

The school will also boast a Technical and Vocational Educa-tion and Training (TVET) centre, which will include industrial and home economics laboratories, the release said.

In addition to academic and technical facilities, the project encompasses the construction of a student dormitory and visiting area, which will accommodate 200 students, ensuring that those from remote communities can live on campus comfortably. To support the teachers, the school will also have a duplex living quarters, which will house up to 20 teachers, the release added.

Source: https://www.stabroeknews.com/2024/09/10/news/guyana/minister-inspects-work-on-2-6b-hosororo-secondary-school/

The Government of Guyana has allocated the sum of $5M to the Guyana Teachers Union to assist teachers who fall on difficult times, Education Minister Priya Manickchand said today.

During the Consideration of Budget estimates before the Committee of Supply, the Education Minister said the allocation forms part of Government’s effort to assist teachers through various mechanisms.

The $5M which was approved as part of the 2024 budgetary allocations for the Ministry, has not been increased over the last three years, despite the number of new teachers that were added to the system

“So, when teachers fall in hardship, the government helps through the union by this subvention. So, I would invite teachers to visit their union for that help,” the Education Minister told the Committee of Supply.

Opposition Member of Parliament Ganesh Mahipaul, said the allocation should have been much more. He said consideration should have been given to increasing the subvention to the GTU, because of the work that the union does for teachers right across the country.

But in response, the Education Minister noted that other assistance is given to teachers, but not through the GTU.

“This is not the only place that we provide for teachers’ welfare. In fact, a significant portion of teachers have asked us not to attach their welfare to the Guyana Teacher’s Union, because they are either not members or the benefits that they ger are sporadic, absent or bias,” Ms. Manickchand said in justifying the allocation.

The Education Minister told the Parliamentary Committee that most of the nation’s teachers may not be members of the GTU and therefore, the Government cannot pour resources into the union that will not reach thousands of teachers.

“So, this $5M is not the only thing we give to teachers in fact, the Chief Education Officer published a letter detailing 28 actions taken over the last two years that are aimed specifically at improving the welfare of teachers. The teaching service in Guyana is over 13,000 teachers, the Union does not enjoy the membership of over 13,000 persons and at their last election had under 4,000 persons voting and present. So, it may indicate to you why it is not a sensible plan to invest all that we have for teachers in one body,” the Education Minister explained.

Source: https://newssourcegy.com/news/government-maintains-5m-subvention-for-gtu-to-assist-teachers-facing-difficult-times/

The Ministry of Education yesterday celebrated the opening of the newly built, $152 million Zeelugt Primary School on the East Bank of Essequibo.

In her address, Minister of Education Priya Manickchand recalled her visit to the old Zeelugt Primary School on April 1, 2021, where she was shocked by the poor condition of the building. She described feeling as if she was swaying when she entered the upper floor, a sensation that the headteacher explained was a common experience due to the building’s dilapidated state. Recognising the urgent need for a safer learning environment, Manickchand brought the issue to President Irfaan Ali, who agreed that a new school should be constructed.

The new Zeelugt Primary School which costs $152 million, features a headteacher and deputy headteacher’s office, a sick bay, a spacious auditorium, and colourful, interactive classrooms, supported by a staff of over 30 teachers. Manickchand expressed her expectation that the upgrades would significantly enhance student outcomes, stating, “Every student should exit this school at their highest possible capacity. That is what we must see from the school; that is what must happen when we invest in you in these ways.”

The education minister highlighted the ministry’s consistent efforts to make education accessible to children from all backgrounds. She said that under President Ali’s administration, significant progress has been made with the construction of 26 secondary schools, 42 nursery schools, and 18 primary schools, along with the training of more teachers.

Manickchand acknowledged that while the oil economy has facilitated the development of infrastructure such as roads and bridges, which might give the impression of a more developed society, it is crucial not to overlook the needs of the population. She stressed that her ministry and political party are committed to ensuring that education remains a central focus, and quoted President Ali’s belief that alongside infrastructure development, it is essential for every child to receive an education. “He insists that as we build roads and bridges, our people must progress alongside this development. Every single child must have access to education.”

Also addressing the attendees was President Ali, who emphasised the importance of investing in qualitative improvements to secure the future and stressed that the first step in this process is shaping young minds. He highlighted that the primary education system is crucial for laying the foundation for students’ future success and underscored the need for creating a comfortable and conducive learning environment, acknowledging that ensuring primary schools are well-equipped and supportive is essential for effective education “We want to be part of positive movement, taking every one of us, every Guyanese, on a journey to prosperity.”

Following the ceremonial proceedings, President Ali, Manickchand, and Minister in the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar together unveiled the plaque commemorating the opening of the new school and performed the ribbon-cutting ceremony followed by a tour of the various facilities within the school.

Source: https://www.stabroeknews.com/2024/09/07/news/guyana/zeelugt-gets-new-152m-primary-school/

Over 1,600 students graduated from the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) yesterday – its second batch of scholars from various universities across the globe.

Among the universities that were represented at the graduation ceremony were JAIN (Deemed to be) University, Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU),  University of the Southern Caribbean (USC), and University of the West Indies (UWI) Global Campus. According to a video notice from the GOAL’s Facebook page, students who graduated yesterday came from the ten administrative regions in Guyana.

The notice showed that 19 scholars hailed from Region One, 142 from Region Two, 312 from Region Three, 800 from Region Four, and 116 from Region Five. Additionally, Region Six saw 164 graduates, Region Seven saw 22, Region Eight saw five, Region Nine saw 17, and from Region Ten there were 79.

The graduation was held for those who completed their Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD at the above-mentioned and other universities under GOAL. Meanwhile, those who completed certificate programmes would be receiving their certificates from the academy, privately.

The Valedictorian for GOAL’s second batch was Rohanie Beeram, who graduated from JAIN University with a Master of Business Administration. During her valedictory speech, the young lady praised her recently deceased mother, who was her backbone while she studied for her Master’s.

At the graduation, the Ministry of Education, under which GOAL was formed, set up a help desk to assist teachers who  graduated to apply for their upgrade in status. Some of these teachers were also eligible for the addition of an allowance to their salary.

Source: https://www.stabroeknews.com/2024/05/25/news/guyana/sixteen-hundred-graduate-from-goal/

Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand recently handed over two boats to the communities of Arukamai and Hobodia in Region One.

These boats, each equipped with a 15-horsepower engine, will serve as essential transportation for students traveling to and from school.

The handing over of the boats fulfills a commitment made during a previous outreach to the region by President Irfaan Ali.

Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal was also present, along with Regional Chairman Brentnol Ashley, the toshao of Arukamai, and trainee teachers from Hobodia.

Source: https://www.stabroeknews.com/2024/09/11/news/guyana/minister-hands-over-boats-to-arukamai-and-hobodia/

The Education Ministry has launched its Libraries for Primaries initiative, which will see the introduction of a library in every primary school across the country.

This initiative was launched on Tuesday at the Grove Primary school by Education Minister, Priya Manickchand, who said that the aim is to ensure that children are able to read and comprehend at an early age. 

The programme will eventually be rolled out in Secondary schools.

“We know that each parent can’t afford it, but we want to expose each child to these books and so we putting them in each primary schools—all of our primary schools.  Now that we can put them you can leave them on the shelf to lie there or you can challenge yourself to read a book,” the Education Minister said.

Ms. Manickchand said the Ministry is also currently putting resources in place to ensure that each of the libraries has a librarian, noting that the Government’s investment is to ensure that every child can access a book and there must be accountability.

She urged parents to take the opportunity to use the books and encourage their children to do more reading.

“Because everything else depend on reading and understanding, if you can’t read and understand, you will fail Mathematics, social students and science, it is as simple as that. So, the foundation for everything is reading and understanding and if you read and understand the whole world becomes more clearly to you and you will be able to understand better,’ the Education Minister told the students.

Minister Manickchand also noted that there will be consequences if persons do not care for the books.  

Additionally, the Minister said the initiative will not replace the Government’s textbook programme, but students who require various text books at the primary and secondary levels can get access to the books at their schools.

Source: https://newssourcegy.com/education/education-ministry-pushes-more-reading-initiative-with-library-in-every-school-plan/

The Ministry of Education yesterday held the official sod-turning ceremony for a new Nismes Secondary School.

Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, led the ceremony for the project on the West Bank of Demerara which will serve 800 students.

A release from the Ministry of Education said that the project, with a total investment of $1,336,166,784, is an essential part of the Government’s commitment to enhancing educational facilities and expanding access to quality learning environments.

Located in the La Grange–Nismes district, construction work for the school has been divided into five lots, awarded to “trusted contractors” with a range of completion timelines.

The release said that ECS Construction & General Supplies has been awarded Lot 1, with a contract sum of $237,050,110, and Lot 2, valued at $237,427,608. Both are scheduled to be completed in eight months. JK Enterprise Inc. is overseeing Lot 3, valued at $392,372,526, also with an eight-month timeline. Mason’s Inno-vative Construction will take charge of Lot 4, valued at $154,448,800, with an expedited three-month schedule. Finally, R&R General Construction & Supplies has been awarded Lot 5, valued at $314,867,740, with an eight-month completion timeline.

“We set about immediately looking to see how we can build secondary schools with the view that every single child in this country – whether you’re from Georgetown or you’re from here on the West Bank, or you’re from the deep hinterland or you live on a mountaintop – you must be able to access a secondary education”, the minister explained.

She  expressed appreciation towards One Communications – formerly GTT – regarding the donating of a portion of land that was initially theirs to the school.

“I have to say that after negotiations, they’ve been very kind to say they’re going to give us that piece of land, and I so want to recognize One Communica-tions for donating a piece of land to the secondary education of the children of the West Bank”, she stated.

Source: https://www.stabroeknews.com/2024/11/08/news/guyana/nismes-to-have-1-3b-secondary-school/

Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, yesterday commissioned the newly constructed Industrial Technology Department at the Patentia Secondary School in Region Three.

The facility, valued at $17 million was built by Spectre Construction.

This new building, located within the school’s compound, is part of the Ministry’s broader vision to ensure that all students graduate with exposure to critical skills such as Technical Drawing and Building Technology,  a release from the Ministry said.

Construction of the facility began on July 15, 2023, and was completed in early November 2023, under the supervision of engineer Dominique Yan.

Manickchand, in her remarks, underscored the Ministry’s vision to create a well-rounded and capable generation of students.

“We are committed to ensuring that every child is equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed, not just academically, but as contributing members of society,” the minister said.

Managed by a Graduate Head of Department and supported by two staff members, the Industrial Technology Department caters to students from Grades 7 to 11. All grades participate in Technical Drawing, while Grades 10 and 11 also study Building Technology, the release said.

The Headteacher of Patentia Secondary,  Lavern Carryl, emphasized that this is not an extension but a brand-new, purpose-built facility designed to improve the learning experience for both students and staff.

Patentia Secondary has a current enrollment of 724 students and 57 teachers.

Source: https://www.stabroeknews.com/2024/10/01/news/guyana/industrial-technology-dept-launched-at-patentia-secondary/

Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand yesterday commissioned the new Practical Instruction Department (PID) at the North West Secondary School in Mabaruma.

A release from the ministry said that the centre targets 400 students and aims to enhance vocational training opportunities for students in the region, after it was destroyed by fire in 2021.

The North West PID is tailored specifically for students from schools who aspire to pursue careers in technical and vocational fields.

The facility will provide specialized training programmes and resources designed to equip students with practical skills and certification necessary for various trades and professions.

In her remarks at the commissioning ceremony, Manickchand emphasized the transformative impact of the new centre.

“Today is a very good day for us, it’s a very special day in the Ministry of Education and the Government of Guyana and that’s because we’re able to bring to fruition something we’ve dreamt of. That is, giving more opportunities to the children of Region One”, she said.

The Minister elaborated on the current developments in education correlating with this year’s Education Month theme.

Chief Education Officer, Saddam Hussain, explained to the present technical students what the PID commissioning meant for their educational future.

Dr. Ritesh Tularam, Deputy Chief Education Officer with responsibility for TVET, also addressed the gathering, highlighting the centre’s role in shaping the future workforce.

He noted that citizens and students of Region One will be having access to a modern facility.

“There are five occupational areas our students can now enroll in, and they can exit those programmes with a CVQ Level I Certificate. These are, furniture making, motor vehicle repairs, electrical installation, commercial food preparation and home management.”

The DCEO – Tech further explained that as a result of PID, students from the region will now have the ability to do further levels of CVQ Certification.

“By its nature and design, they (the students) don’t have to go to Georgetown, they don’t have to go to Linden, they don’t have to go to Essequibo. But they can stay right here in this beautiful space and they can earn a CVQ Level III. By extension, they can have further education. They can go to the University of Guyana and complete their CVQ Level IV, or as we know it, a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering related programme as well as the Hospitality in Tourism programme,” Dr. Tularam stated.

The North West PID will offer hands-on workshops, industry-relevant training programmes, and certification courses aimed at preparing students for successful careers.

Source: https://www.stabroeknews.com/2024/09/05/news/guyana/practical-instruction-dept-launched-at-north-west-secondary/