Lack of textbooks hindering education delivery in Region 1

A team of senior Education Ministry officials visited Region One (Barima-Waini) and was informed of the lack of textbooks and electrical issues, among other major hindrances when it comes to education delivery within the region.
The team, led by Chief Education Officer Marcel Hutson, met with parents and regional officials at the Whitewater Community Centre to listen to their concerns and take corrective steps to address the issues.

In relation to the electrical issues, a directive was issued to have a technical expert immediately visit the Whitewater School to ensure power is connected to utilise the computers. Hutson mandated Regional Education Officer Nigel Richards prepare a list of the needed textbooks so that they could be supplied within a two-week time frame.
“Very soon efforts will be afoot to have the annex gazetted and be made into an official school with a head teacher,” Hutson said.
The residents were informed that plans are in train to introduce the Secondary Competency Certificate Programmes (SCCP) at the Wauna Primary School to ensure children leave the school with a technical certificate that affords them the opportunity for meaningful employment in Guyana or anywhere in the Caribbean and to also pursue further education.
“We want to encourage parents to consider the fact that while you might not have major qualifications, your community must make sure that as parents you should demand a certain level of excellence from the school system and do your part as a key stakeholder,” Hutson advised.
“We all have the same brain and we all need to empower each other to build the community and safeguard the resources and facilities. The idea of us coming here was to not just see problems but to fashion workable solutions. The engagement was also to assure residents that education could be delivered in the best possible way,” the CEO added.
Plans are afoot for the Parent Teachers Association Coordinator Nadia Hollingsworth and other education officials to conduct Townhall meetings to engage with parents. The issues include limited textbooks, addressing the fixing of the solar powered panel to get electricity for full use of the computers. Other findings and recommendations with timelines are to be compiled for necessary action.
A feedback meeting was also held with teachers of Whitewater Primary School and a request from a parent was for the establishment of a community library for which Jennifer Cumberbatch the Director of NCERD promised some assistance through a donation of books by Month end.
The high-level team comprises of Assistant Chief Education Officers Owen Pollard, Carol Benn and Patrick Onwuzirike from the primary, secondary and technical divisions of the MoE. Also, on the team is Senior Welfare Officer Vickram Mohabir, along with Parent Teachers Association Coordinator Nadia Hollingsworth. There is also a representative from the Monitoring, Evaluation Technical Support Unit Nashrullah Khan, Civil Engineer Shaunette Braithwaite of the MoE Buildings Unit and two Technical Facilitators of the CEO Franseca Vieira and Simone Wills.