Construction of $22.5M Yupukari Secondary School under way

The Indigenous community of Yupukari in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) is set to experience a transformative leap in the educational landscape with the construction of a new secondary school.

This much-anticipated development was officially announced by Education Minister Priya Manickchand during her visit to the proposed site on Saturday.
The new secondary school is intended to directly benefit 60 students from Yupukari and nearby communities, including Quatata and Kaicumbay. The initiative will address a longstanding challenge to access secondary education faced by students who currently travel extensive distances or reside in dormitories at St. Ignatius Secondary School. By bringing the school closer to home, the project promises to ease the burden on families and ensure that students can focus on their academic journey without the strain of long commutes.
When the initiative was announced, Yupukari Toshao Russian Dorrick highlighted the importance of this development for the community. He conveyed heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the village council and residents, stating, “This is a timely initiative, because we currently have over 170 primary school children in our village. With the Government focusing on education in Yupukari, I always say that we are moving forward. This project will pave the way for significant progress in our community. We are very grateful to the Ministry of Education and the Government for their continued support.”
Minister Manickchand underscored the Government’s holistic approach to addressing educational needs by emphasizing that the initiative extends beyond the physical construction of the school. She outlined critical supporting measures, such as teacher-training, provision of necessary furniture, and ongoing monitoring and evaluation of teaching standards to ensuring a sustainable and high-quality educational experience for students.
“In addition to building the school, we need to train the teachers who will serve here. We must also ensure that the classrooms are equipped with the necessary furniture. Once the school is operational, we must continue to monitor and evaluate how effectively students are being taught. It’s about creating a complete and sustainable system that delivers real results,” she declared.
She also highlighted the wider benefits of the project. “This school is not just a building; it’s a symbol of progress and opportunity. The challenges of overcrowding at St. Ignatius Secondary, the long distances students travel, and the strain on families will all be eased by this development. The positive ripple effects will be felt throughout the community, ensuring that every child has a fair chance at success.”
The project, valued at $22.5 million, has been awarded to contractor Clyve King following a competitive bidding process. The process adhered to the guidelines of the Public Procurement Act, and was overseen by the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board to ensure transparency and fairness. Construction is expected to be completed within a year, with work commencing promptly.
This new school is part of the Ministry of Education’s broader mission to reduce educational disparities between coastal and hinterland regions. By investing in infrastructure and access to quality education, Government is seeking to create equitable opportunities for all Guyanese children, ensuring that no child is left behind regardless of geographic location.
Parents, teachers, and community members alike have expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming facility, viewing it as a critical step in the advancement of Yupukari’s education system.
The Ministry of Education remains steadfast in its commitment to enhancing educational access and quality nationwide. The Yupukari Secondary School is yet another testament to the Government’s dedication to investing in the future of Guyana’s youths, laying the foundation for a stronger, more educated society.