Contracts for science labs in hinterland schools to be signed soon
In a continued effort to bridge the divide between schools in the hinterland and coastland, while simultaneously ensure that the administration delivers on its promise of universal education by 2025, President Dr Irfaan Ali has announced that contracts for science laboratories in hinterland schools will be signed in the coming days. The Head of State who was at the time addressing a gathering at the commissioning ceremony of the new state-of-the-art Brickdam Secondary School, emphasised that with over 40 new secondary schools commissioned, under construction or planned since 2020—a feat never before attempted in Guyana’s history—the next phase includes establishing fully-equipped science labs across remote hinterland communities, ensuring that no student is left behind in the digital and scientific age.
One of the labs at the newly-commissioned Brickdam Secondary School
“It is a bold stride that spans coastline and hinterland alike. For a matter of fact, in the coming days, we’ll be signing the contract for a number of labs across our hinterland schools, making science not only accessible but reachable to our students in the hinterland. On that point, I want to pause to recognise one important fact. That is, we have been able, and the Ministry of Education, to build in our education system the academic and technical requirement for the future. I see a particular emphasis on Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital technology, having our students understand the digital world they expect to operate in,” he said.
Since assuming office in August 2020, the Government has pumped nearly $600 billion into the education sector, with a record $175 billion allocated in the 2025 budget alone. The President noted that this investment is not only visible in bricks and mortar but in people, technology, and curriculum innovation.
The system now incorporates training in advance science, AI, robotics and digital technology aimed at equipping Guyanese students with the skills to compete in a global knowledge economy. “We are building an education system that is not just modern—it is futuristic,” Ali said. “Our children must not just use technology—they must create it.”
Partnership with medical institutions
Meanwhile, on a broader spectrum, Ali announced plans to significantly increase Guyana’s training partnership with medical institutions. In fact, engagements have already begun through the Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and the Public Service, Dr Ashni Singh.
“I’ve already mandated the Minister of Finance to commence negotiations also with other accredited institutions here, especially in the field of medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, engineering, so that we can come up with a negotiated outcome so we ensure every single student who wants to pursue higher education that they are placed in a university, a college or in an institution,” the President said.
This publication understands that the agreement with these institutions will follow a similar format to the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL).
