$75 million dormitory commissioned at Leonora

Education Minister Priya Manickchand on Monday afternoon commissioned a brand-new dormitory at Leonora, West Coast Demerara, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara). With the establishment of the $75 million facility, students in riverine communities will no longer have to travel far distances daily to receive a secondary education. Beneficiaries of the dorms at Leonora include students from Saxacalli, Aliki, Caria Caria, Lanaballi, Upper and Lower Bonasika, Santa Mission, Sand Hills and Hogg Island.

The dormitory which presently houses 23 students, is located in the compound of the Leonora Secondary School. It consists of living quarters for boys and girls, a kitchen, a dining area, a sick bay, washroom facilities and sleeping quarters.
Delivering the feature address, Manickchand stated that the aim is to ensure that every child is comfortably accommodated while being able to learn. She further added that the dormitory was constructed in keeping with recommendations made in a report conducted on dormitories across the country to ensure they are up to standard.
In brief remarks, Region Three Regional Chairman Sheik Ayube noted that a number of factors were taken before a decision was made to construct the dormitory at Leonora. He said it was strategically placed so parents can visit their children any time.