2 new nursery schools commissioned in Region 2

The Education Ministry on Thursday commissioned two new nursery schools in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).  The two new schools are Abram Zuil Nursery School and the Queenstown Nursery School.

Speaking at the commissioning of the Queenstown Nursery School, Education Minister Priya Manickchand said that construction began in September 2021 and the school was completed in December 2021. This project was funded by the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) through the Government. The nursery school was constructed by K&J Persaud Contracting Service to the tune of $30 million and has the capacity to accommodate six teachers and some 120 students.

Queenstown Nursery School Headteacher Thelsa John said that Thursday’s commissioning would be recorded in the school’s history and continuously celebrated by everyone who has an interest in the school.
She said that the school was previously housed next to the Neighbourhood Democratic Council’s building in the said village, and was small to accommodate the number of children attending. She added that now, her teachers would be able to deliver the curriculum in an environment that is convenient.
Manickchand during her remarks also said that the Government was committed to creating a world-class education system as was often spoken about by President Dr Irfaan Ali.
She noted that constructing new schools was not the only aspect of this improved sector that was coming, pointing out that a large part of it was ensuring the system has 100 per cent trained teachers in the classrooms.
She said that this was being pursued at the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) by providing training online. She noted that this route has increased the College’s intake from 535 in previous years to almost 3000.
According to Minister Manickchand, years from now when other countries will not have the needed number of trained teachers because of closures due to COVID-19, Guyana will not be affected. She also noted that persons who join the teaching profession will be required to be either trained or expected to begin training shortly after.
Moreover, the Education Minister said that the education system would be supported even further with the expansion of the School Feeding Programme in the region. This will also be complemented by the Government’s “Because We Care” cash grant and school supply voucher which are collectively valued $30,000 this year. She said that the distribution of this grant was expected to begin in June for each schoolchild in the public and private school systems.
Meanwhile, at the commissioning of Abram Zuil Nursery School, Manickchand said that construction commenced in July 2019 and was completed in September 2019 by M Sukhai Contracting Services at a cost of $13 million, which can accommodate some 60 pupils.
Meanwhile, Abram Zuil Nursery School Headteacher Jacqueline Cole thanked the Government and the regional administration for providing the new edifice for the teachers and pupils to ensure that quality education can be accessed.
Among those who attended the commissioning were Regional Chairperson Vilma De Silva, Regional Executive Officer Susan Saywack, Assistant Chief Education Officer (Nursery) Devendre Persaud and students.