Canada, UNICEF partner to advance early childhood education in remote communities

In a bid to accelerate results for children in Guyana, particularly those who live in remote and riverine communities. The High Commission of Canada in partnership with UNICEF recently hosted a project steering committee meeting with key stakeholders of the government.

The meeting which was held on Tuesday at the Grand Coastal Hotel, focused on the Canada-funded project titled “Promoting Safe and Healthy Learning and Living Environments for Migrant and Host Communities in Guyana’s Hinterland and Selected Coastal Areas.”
The high-level engagement saw discussions on achievements made under the project and plans for the next two years with key stakeholders. Delivering opening remarks at the event was High Commissioner of Canada to Guyana Sebastien Sigouin who highlighted that oftentimes migrant and host communities face injustices and barriers.
“We also believe in the importance of reaching out to marginalized and indigenous communities to promote equality and inclusion across the country. Ensuring that indigenous communities are engaged and included in the decision-making for us in Canada is part of our reconciliation efforts. In Canada and elsewhere, these communities often face systemic barriers, historical injustice that have a negative impact on their development. If we work together, including with indigenous communities, no one will be left behind.”
On this point the high commissioner highlighted that his country is deeply committed towards ensuring these communities have accesses to high quality education.
“Quality early childhood education builds curiosity, resilience, a love for learning and understanding for others. It can equip children to navigate life and all its challenges. So we need to ensure that our schools, especially those in remote communities, provide safe, healthy and conducive learning environments. That’s why we are so deeply committed to advancing quality education from the very early years all the way to young, adulthood.”
He also explained that by investing in Early Childhood Development initiatives, the Canadian government is also contributing to the development of a skilled workforce in Guyana.
“We believe that this is essential to creating a more skilled and knowledgeable workforce and we hear that everywhere in Guyana. The need for a skilled, knowledgeable workforce is what this project is about because this will also drive innovation and development.”
Meanwhile, Area Representative of UNICEF Guyana and Suriname Nicolas Pron, commended the governments of Guyana and Canada for their invaluable contributions.
“By addressing the critical needs in the areas of health, inclusive education, water, sanitation, and reducing inequalities, this project reflects a thorough approach to supporting vulnerable populations. It ensures that children and communities, particularly in migrant and underserved areas, have access to essential services that promote their well-being, safety, and development and creating opportunities for marginalized groups to thrive,”
Additionally, in an effort to further bolster the Early Childhood Development (ECD) landscape in Guyana Human Service and Social Security Minister Dr. Vindhya Persaud highlighted that to date some 200 ECD practitioners have been trained.
“So, what have we been doing with the Early Childhood Development Program? As you heard, there would have been a lot of training happening, and we have to date trained 200 ECD practitioners, focused heavily on those persons who are already in the care system, through the daycare centres that we have across regions.”
The ECD and safe schools project seek to contribute to Sustainable Development Goal (SDGs) three; four; six; 10 and 17 by 2030.