Tag: school

Modern school for children with disabilities opens in West Coast Demerara

Posted on by Aliyah Persaud

The modern ‘Yas School of Inspiration’ in Crane on the West Coast Demerara (WCD) opened on Thursday, offering 50 children with disabilities access to world-class facilities and a supportive learning environment.
President Mohamed Irfaan Ali, First Lady Arya Ali, United Arab Emirates’ Minister of State for International Cooperation Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, and several cabinet members commissioned the facility.
In his feature address, President Ali said the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government measures progress by how it treats its most vulnerable citizens. He added that equity guides policies to ensure “every child has a genuine chance to succeed.”
“The Yas School of Inspiration is an embodiment of that covenant. It will foster understanding in a world that often fears difference. It will nurture potential, where unique minds are not seen as limited, but as wired for wonders we are only beginning to comprehend,” he underscored.
President Ali said the support for children with disabilities extends beyond the physical building, announcing plans for a safe and inclusive ecosystem within the school compound, complemented by three purpose-built buses for student transportation.
“You will have a facility that is… and the children will come and enjoy the beautiful space that we have here in this compound,” he said, adding that “it will be specifically designed for these children.“

The new school was commissioned on Thursday

The president also announced that a governing board comprising parents of enrolled children will be established to ensure direct supervision, accountability, and confidence in school management. Enrollment has begun, with teacher-student matching and activities expected to start in the coming weeks.
The $100 million project was executed by the Government in partnership with the Office of the First Lady and the UAE. President Ali described Minister Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy’s presence as a sign of strong bilateral relations between the two countries.
“Today is a celebration of cooperation. Today is also the celebration of diplomacy at work. It’s a celebration of two states, two countries, coming together with a common understanding as to what value system we measure development by. And the value system we chose to adopt is one that put people first,“ he said.
Minister Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy said the school is “more than an educational institution, but as a gateway to improve the quality of life, not only for the children, but also for their families.” She added, “My leadership, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, President of the United Arab Emirates, just like yours, President Irfaan, believe in an integrated, holistic community.”
Education Minister Sonia Parag noted that the facility is the 49th Special Education Needs (SEN) institution. Minister of Human Services and Social Security Dr Vindhya Persaud described the school as a commitment to place the lives, hopes, and aspirations of persons with disabilities at the centre of national development.
Other officials attending the commissioning included Ministers Priya Manickchand and Deodat Indar.
The Yas School complements a $130 million state-of-the-art call and business centre for Persons with Disabilities (PWD) in Palmyra, Region Six, which is creating opportunities for hundreds of citizens. (DPI)

Inside the new school

Mining school officially accredited

Posted on by Aliyah Persaud

The Guyana Mining School & Training Centre Inc. (GMSTCI) has received accreditation for its Bartica Training Facility from the Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET), authorising it to operate as a certified vocational institution and deliver nationally approved technical and vocational education and training programmes.
The accreditation, issued through the Guyana Geology & Mines Commission and valid until Feb. 12, 2028, marks the first time a technical and vocational education and training (TVET) certificate has been awarded to Guyana’s mining sector, GMSTCI said.
The Bartica facility is the institution’s first accredited TVET centre and places the town at the centre of efforts to formalise skills training in the industry. GMSTCI said it is preparing to expand its accredited training framework to Linden to serve mining communities in Region Ten.
The Bartica centre forms part of a broader capacity-building initiative developed in partnership with large-scale gold producers. GMSTCI has signed memoranda of understanding with AGM Inc., G Mining Ventures and G2 Goldfields to support workforce development and strengthen industry standards.
Programmes delivered at the Bartica facility will focus on practical, field-ready skills, including mineral prospecting, map reading, mine safety and occupational safety and health. Training will cover the use of GPS and compass tools, hazard identification, drill and trench alignment and environmental responsibility, GMSTCI said.
The accreditation aligns with the Ministry of Natural Resources’ goal of improving technical standards as mining operations become more complex. Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat has said the sector requires a more skilled and safety-conscious workforce, with the Bartica programmes providing a pathway to nationally and regionally recognised Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ) certification.
GMSTCI said the Linden expansion would strengthen access to technical education in one of the country’s key mining regions and reflects its long-term strategy to build a skilled workforce for the extractive industries.

Long-awaited Bamia Primary School finally opens

Posted on by Aliyah Persaud

 

The Bamia Primary School, a long-awaited regional education project, was officially completed and opened on Monday.
The school reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening regional infrastructure and improving access to essential services, a release from the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development said.
The modern, purpose-built facility includes spacious classrooms, administrative offices, sanitary facilities, and supporting infrastructure designed to provide a safe, inclusive, and conducive learning environment for children in Bamia and surrounding communities.
Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Priya Manickchand said she was happy at “the completion of the school for the pupils and teachers” and described the project as “a major and consistent effort that had to be employed to get this school finished.”
She added that “everytime stakeholders fail to realise the government’s vision for universal access to education it is our children and teachers who suffer and that is the opposite of what the Government intends and desires.”
As a regional project, Bamia Primary School highlights the role of local government in identifying community needs, implementing development works, and ensuring residents benefit directly from public investment, the release said.
The project aligns with the government’s broader education agenda, which prioritises equitable access to quality education across all regions of Guyana.
With the school now operational, students will benefit from improved learning conditions closer to home, while educators are supported by a modern, functional facility. The completion demonstrates the practical outcomes of effective regional governance and the direct impact of public investment for families in Region Ten.

Kwakwani Secondary School to be rebuilt, alternative arrangements to be in place for affected students

Posted on by Kayleigh Carter

The Kwakwani Secondary School in Region Ten, which was gutted by fire on Sunday morning, will be rebuilt, Public Works Minister Bishop Juan Edghill said.

Edghill announced the plans on his official Facebook page, describing it as agonising when he received the “painful news” of the fire.

“Whatever is the cause of that fire, it is regrettable. Children need to be served. A community needs to be served,” the minister said, before adding: “I am proud to announce that the President Ali-led administration, now, and the one that will be elected on September 1, will rebuild Kwakwani Secondary.”

He also said the reconstruction will be completed quickly.

“Parents, children, and the community of Kwakwani, please be assured that your pain, suffering, and loss will be remedied swiftly.”

The government will work with local authorities to provide alternative arrangements for students when classes resume, Edghill said, adding that Kwakwani will continue to benefit from the administration’s development programme.

Chase’s Academic Foundation Defends U14 Title

Posted on by Kayleigh Carter

Chase’s Academic Foundation successfully defended their Under-14 Boys’ Football title with a commanding 4-1 victory over Three Mile Secondary in the final of the ExxonMobil Boys’ and Girls’ Schools U14 Football Championship, organised by the Petra Organisation on Sunday at the Ministry of Education ground.
However, their chance for a historic double was thwarted as the Chase’s Academy girls lost 2-0 to Bartica Secondary, who claimed the girls’ title in the tournament.
In the girls’ final, Bartica Secondary outperformed Chase’s Academy after a tense first half. Top scorer Nerismar Williams broke the deadlock with a spectacular free-kick midway through the second half, followed by Alesha Gonsalves scoring a second goal to secure the championship for Bartica.
Later, the Chase boys responded strongly, seeking redemption after their girls’ loss. After a goalless first half, star player Nyron Barrow opened the scoring in the 25th minute. Jadan Christian added a second goal shortly after, and Aaron Vascancellos made it 3-0 before Barrow sealed the win with a long-range effort. Three Mile’s Akeem DaSilva scored a consolation goal in the 37th minute.
In other results, Waramuri Secondary edged Marian Academy 1-0 to secure third place in the girls’ division, while West Ruimveldt defeated Waramuri Secondary 4-1 in the boys’ third place playoff.
The 2025 U14 Football Championship was sponsored by ExxonMobil Guyana, supported by the Ministry of Education, and endorsed by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and the National Sports Commission (NSC).

Christ Church Secondary rebuilt, ready for students

Posted on by Kayleigh Carter

After more than two years of displacement, students of Christ Church Secondary School are finally returning to a brand-new, state-of-the-art building rebuilt from the ground up on the same Camp and Middle Streets location where the original structure once stood.
The newly constructed facility, valued at G$688 million, features 20 modern classrooms along with fully equipped science, ICT, TVET, and home economics labs, designed to support more than 500 students. It marks a significant milestone not only for the school’s community but for Guyana’s broader push toward high-quality, inclusive secondary education.
The original Christ Church Secondary, an 87-year-old structure, was destroyed by fire in January 2023—an act later determined to be arson. In the months that followed, both students and teachers were temporarily housed at the Cyril Potter College of Education in Turkeyen.

At the site to oversee the final stages of the move-in was Education Minister, Priya Manickchand, who highlighted the school’s academic legacy and the ministry’s investment in building back stronger.
“The children who are placed here are just about 95 per cent and 94 per cent at NGSA. This has always been a very good school, and we see that in the CSEC results,” Minister Manickchand said.
“We expect to see even more now that they’ve been given all these facilities,” she added.
The move-in process is currently being led by teachers and education officials, who are preparing classrooms, labs, and common areas. The minister expressed pride in the ministry’s on-the-ground approach to school development.
Christ Church Secondary is now part of a growing network of schools benefiting from the ministry’s nationwide infrastructure drive, which includes the integration of Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ) subjects, access to digital resources, and improved science and technology learning spaces.

School reopens on September 8 for Christmas Term

Posted on by Aliyah Persaud

School will reopen for the Christmas term on September 8, the Ministry of Education announced today, as it wished learners and teachers a productive August holiday.
Education Minister Priya Manickchand had previously stated that the new school term would not begin on September 1, 2025, the date set for the General and Regional Elections.
She explained that schools across the country will be closed on that day, as they will be used as polling stations during the national elections.
“Schools are usually used for polling. Elections are held on a single day in our country, and it is an important occasion to reinforce and refresh our democracy—which is very important for each and every schoolchild. We’re happy to give up the schools for that important purpose of allowing people to exercise their will,” she told reporters.
In previous years, schools have seamlessly transitioned from hosting elections to administering national exams the following day. According to Minister Manickchand, similar arrangements and preparations will be made this year to ensure a smooth process.
President Dr. Irfaan Ali, during his Independence Day address on May 26, announced September 1 as the date for the General and Regional Elections.

STEAM fair opens in Region Six

Posted on by Kayleigh Carter

A two-day Regional Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) Fair was opened today by the Department of Education in Region Six.

The fair, being held at Corentyne Comprehensive High School, provides a platform for students and other participants to showcase projects in the STEAM field, highlighting innovation and sustainability.

Deputy Chief Education Officer (Development), Volika Jaikishun, who addressed the occasion, emphasised the importance of education in national development.

“You have to step up. Remember, the country is investing in you because, in years to come, we will need you to be the best engineers in oil and gas, the best teachers… so you have to step up,” she urged.

Jaikishun also stressed that STEAM is not just a set of school subjects but a foundation for solving real-world problems and improving lives through innovation.

Meanwhile, Regional Executive Officer (REO) Narindra Persaud, who also spoke at the event, highlighted the critical role of technology in Guyana’s development.

He expressed hope that young Guyanese would not only embrace existing technology but also create new innovations that contribute to the country’s progress.

The fair, which concludes tomorrow, is being held under the theme: “Innovative Solutions through STEAM for Sustainable Development in Guyana.”

Students champion clean water and conservation

Posted on by Kayleigh Carter

Students of the West Demerara Secondary School are advancing water purification methods through a sustainability initiative, as Recover Guyana, in partnership with The Greater Guyana Initiative (GGI) and the Ministry of Education, launched the Water Purification and Sustainability Initiative on Monday.
The Clean Water for All: Water Purification Initiative will provide access to clean and refreshing drinking water through the installation of an advanced water filtration system.
The system transforms ordinary tap water into a clean, refreshing source of hydration using reverse osmosis and is uniquely designed to track saved plastic bottles, fostering a culture of responsible water use and conservation.
This innovative system will reduce reliance on single-use plastic bottles and promote environmental sustainability.
It will also create a model for sustainability, improved health, and environmental responsibility that can be adopted in schools across Guyana.
The Water Purification and Sustainability Initiative was proposed in 2023 by Queen’s College (QC) student Vasana Persaud, winner of the 2023 SHOUT Competition.
This initiative was first implemented through Recover Guyana, resulting in the reduction of more than 30,000 single-use plastic bottles to date.
The Water Purification and Sustainability Initiative at the West Demerara Secondary School was developed from recognising the importance of sustainable water systems in the education sector and building on the success of the Queen’s College initiative.
Speaking at the launch, President of Recover Guyana, Dr Dave Lalltoo, explained that this transformative endeavour is not only about providing clean water but about teaching future generations how to live sustainably and take care of the planet.
GGI Lead, Alicia Bess-Anderson, emphasised the importance of collaboration in creating an environmentally sustainable future.
She noted that the collaboration between GGI, Recover Guyana, and the Ministry of Education provides a unique opportunity for GGI to expand its reach to a new category of stakeholders – secondary students.
“The need for this project was evident. We recognised that single-use plastic bottles contribute to environmental pollution, and water purification is an ideal solution,” she noted.
She further explained that the project will not only cater to the needs of the West Demerara Secondary School but will also benefit the community, representing a fundamental shift in how we approach environmental responsibility and community health.
As part of its commitment to sustainability, the transformative project encourages students, educators, and the wider community to reduce waste and embrace more eco-friendly habits, paving the way for a greener and healthier future for all.

The water purification system in action

The water purification system in action

Major $665M expansion for St. Stanislaus College

Posted on by Kayleigh Carter

The Government of Guyana has launched a $665 million expansion project at St. Stanislaus College to enhance the school’s infrastructure and learning environment.
The initiative, funded by the World Bank under the Guyana Strengthening Human Capital Through Education project, was officially announced by Minister of Education Priya Manickchand on Tuesday during a meeting with parents, teachers, and the school’s board.
The expansion includes the construction of two new buildings. The first, costing $275,530,909, will house a canteen, library, storage areas, male and female washrooms—including facilities for students with disabilities—six classrooms, a staff room, and additional restrooms across three floors.
The second building, valued at $389,767,296, will feature a modern food and nutrition laboratory, an industrial technology classroom, an allied arts room, an IT room, additional classrooms, and improved accessibility with elevators.
Construction is expected to be completed within 14 months, with K. Nauth serving as the contractor, GR Engineering Co. overseeing design and supervision, and EMC acting as the environmental consultant.
Minister Manickchand emphasized the government’s broader commitment to improving education infrastructure.
“All across the country, we’re either building, rebuilding, or extending schools,” she said, highlighting the recent launch of a new tool that tracks all new school construction and major renovations, ensuring transparency for the public.
This project aligns with the Ministry of Education’s goal of creating modern, well-equipped learning spaces that foster innovation and academic excellence.
With World Bank support, the initiative reflects the government’s ongoing investment in strengthening Guyana’s human capital and ensuring students have access to top-tier educational resources.