First-ever AutoCAD lab commissioned at Abram Zuil Secondary

The country’s first-ever AutoCAD laboratory was commissioned at the Abram Zuil Secondary School, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) – a move that will revolutionise technical and vocational education across Guyana.
Delivering the featured address, Education Minister Sonia Parag described the occasion as a proud and transformative moment for the school and the country’s education sector.
“Today we are commissioning the first-ever AutoCAD lab in Guyana. The first-ever. So, when I tell you that you’re continuously a part of history, you’re continuously a part of history,” she told the gathering.
She added that Abram Zuil Secondary has rapidly evolved into a modern educational institution, benefiting from significant Government investments under the Administration of President Dr Irfaan Ali.

Parag emphasised that Guyana’s education sector has undergone extensive transformation over the past five years, with new nursery, primary, and secondary schools being constructed nationwide to expand access to education.
“With the completion of several secondary schools at the end of this year, 2026, Guyana will achieve universal access to secondary education,” Parag announced. She further highlighted the Government’s push toward expanding tertiary and technical opportunities in Region Two, noting that additional programmes have already been introduced at the Essequibo Technical Institute (ETI), including engineering and pre-medical studies.
According to the Minister, the AutoCAD laboratory represents far more than a new classroom facility, describing it as an important tool that will prepare students for careers in architecture, engineering, design, and other technology-driven fields.
She further explained that the introduction of modern computer-aided design technology would allow students to move beyond traditional manual drafting methods and gain exposure to digital systems currently used in developed countries and international industries.

On this note, she added that by integrating technology into technical education, students would be better equipped with practical and globally relevant skills needed to compete in an increasingly modern workforce.
As such, she encouraged students to think beyond the classroom and envision themselves contributing to Guyana’s rapidly transforming landscape. She also announced that four additional AutoCAD laboratories are expected to be commissioned shortly.
Importantly, she stressed that the facility would not only serve students of Abram Zuil Secondary but also students throughout the Essequibo Coast.
However, she cautioned students about overreliance on artificial intelligence (AI). “AI is to enhance the knowledge that you have. It is not to replace the knowledge that you have. AI is not to replace your brain. You still need to be the critical thinkers and problem solvers of tomorrow,” she advised.
Also speaking at the commissioning ceremony was the headteacher of the institution, Jerome Rajpersaud, who described the laboratory as a “significant milestone” in the institution’s development.
“Cutting the ribbon does not signify just the establishment of the AutoCAD lab. It is about opening the way for us and opening the door to new possibilities,” Rajpersaud related.
He explained that the laboratory will provide students with hands-on experience in design and drafting, preparing them for careers in engineering, architecture, and other technical fields. “I envision this AutoCAD lab as a hub of learning, collaboration, and innovation, where ideas can be transformed into tangible solutions,” the headteacher declared.
Rajpersaud also revealed that the laboratory was outfitted with 15 Nitro V15 computers, each equipped with 16GB RAM and 512GB storage, a 72-inch smart board, and a 24-inch plotter. He commended the school’s Industrial Technology Department, led by Rishi Narain, for constructing the furniture and ensuring the facility became fully operational.
Regional Education Officer Shoundelle Hercules echoed similar sentiments, describing the facility as an investment in the future of education and workforce development in Region Two. “This laboratory symbolises progress and our commitment to equipping students with the technological competencies required in an increasingly digital and competitive world,” Hercules stated.
She noted that AutoCAD technology is widely utilised in engineering, architecture, construction, manufacturing, and technical design industries, adding that exposure at the secondary level would prepare students not only for examinations but also for meaningful careers and entrepreneurship.
“The vision for this laboratory extends across the whole region. This resource will be available to all secondary school students and teachers in Region Two,” she explained.
In addition, Deputy Chief Education Officer (DCEO) for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Ritesh Tularam reflected on the evolution of technical education from traditional drawing boards and drafting tools to digital innovation.
“We are not just commissioning a lab today at Abram Zuil Secondary, but we are commissioning innovation. We are commissioning creativity. We are commissioning possibilities for all the students at this wonderful institution,” Tularam said.
He encouraged students to maximise the opportunities now available to them through the facility and position themselves for future careers in engineering and technical fields.
Meanwhile, Regional Chairman Devin Mohan, an alumnus of the school, became emotional while reflecting on his years at Abram Zuil Secondary and praised the institution’s remarkable transformation.
“My heart belongs to this beautiful place… We’ve seen remarkable transformation here at this school… Now under this Government, we can see the progress, the magnificent progress, unfolding here in our beautiful region,” he said.
Mohan noted that initiatives such as the AutoCAD laboratory will help make students “marketable for the world of work” while advancing innovation and creativity throughout Region Two.
The commissioning ceremony concluded with the official ribbon-cutting exercise and a tour of the state-of-the-art facility by officials, teachers, and students.