Expanding the foundations of learning

The announcement by the Education Ministry regarding the commissioning of 18 new schools across several regions by the end of the first quarter of 2026 denotes a decisive pace in strengthening Guyana’s educational infrastructure. This initiative is a sustained national commitment to ensuring that every child, regardless of geography, has access to quality learning opportunities. By strategically expanding the availability of nursery, primary, and secondary institutions in Regions One, Three, Six, Seven, Nine, and 10, the Government is addressing long-standing gaps in access while laying the groundwork for a more equitable and inclusive educational system.
Education remains the cornerstone of national development in every country, and as such, it shapes not only the intellectual capacity of a nation but also its social cohesion and economic resilience. For a country like Guyana, where hinterland regions have historically faced limited access to both primary and secondary education, the commissioning of new schools is particularly significant. These developments directly address inequalities, allowing children in remote areas such as Barima-Waini, Cuyuni-Mazaruni, and Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo to continue their studies locally, without the disruption of relocation or long commutes. This is a deliberate effort to democratise educational opportunity across all regions.
While primary education coverage has reached 100 per cent, secondary education in the hinterland remains a critical frontier. Expanding secondary institutions in these areas ensures that students can progress seamlessly from foundational learning to higher levels of study, fostering academic continuity and long-term personal development. It also reduces social inequalities by providing children from remote communities with opportunities comparable to those available in urban centres.
Beyond access, the focus on school development addresses persistent challenges such as overcrowding. Large class sizes have long limited the effectiveness of teaching and the quality of learning. By creating additional schools and distributing them strategically across regions, the Ministry aims to reduce classroom congestion, allowing teachers to provide more individualised attention and engage students through interactive and participatory learning methods. Smaller classes facilitate critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving, skills that are indispensable in an increasingly complex global economy.
The benefits of these new schools extend beyond academics, as well-designed educational facilities function as community hubs, providing spaces where values of discipline, civic responsibility, and social cohesion can be nurtured. Modern schools, equipped to accommodate extracurricular activities, sports, and cultural programmes, contribute to the holistic development of learners. Children are not only educated but also supported in their physical, social, and emotional growth, producing well-rounded individuals capable of contributing meaningfully to society.
This investment also underscores the intrinsic link between education and national progress. A well-educated population drives innovation, productivity, and economic growth. By prioritising educational infrastructure, Guyana is laying the foundation for a skilled workforce capable of meeting the demands of a competitive and rapidly evolving global landscape. The Government’s strategy reflects an understanding that education is not a short-term initiative but a long-term investment in the nation’s future.
The commissioning of these 18 schools builds on significant progress made in 2025, representing continuity and sustained commitment. Each new school represents more than bricks and mortar; it embodies the promise of opportunity and the potential for transformative social impact. By addressing both access and quality, the Government is creating an environment where children can thrive and communities can flourish.
The expansion of Guyana’s educational infrastructure is a milestone that carries profound implications for the nation’s future. The commissioning of these schools will reduce disparities, alleviate overcrowding, and promote holistic student development, ensuring that all children, regardless of location, have the tools to succeed. It is an investment that strengthens the intellectual and social fabric of the country, positioning the nation to harness the full potential of its youth. Through such initiatives, Guyana is building schools as well as constructing the foundations of progress, equity, and sustainable development for generations to come.