The small satellite village of Meriwau, South Central Rupununi, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), is celebrating its first-ever primary school in the community, which was officially commissioned on Tuesday.
The ceremonial commissioning was led by Education Minister Priya Manickchand, who described the initiative as part of the Government’s broader plan to bridge the education gap in hinterland communities.
Education Minister Priya Manickchand flanked by parents, teachers and pupils
“This is the first primary school in this satellite community – one of eight we’re building in Region Nine… It’s really lovely to be able to go to school here. As a child, it’s going to be fresh, airy, and scenic.”
She further emphasised that initiatives like these are evidence of the Government’s transformational approach to education.
“We are building 22 brand new nursery schools in Region 9, and we’re building nine new secondary schools, and this just evidences our belief that if you prioritise education, our nation, our communities, and our regions will grow. We’re going to enhance the human capital product by far, so that Guyana is going to look very different in 20 years.”
Minister Manickchand, along with Minister within the Housing Ministry, Susan Rodrigues, touring the new school
Also speaking at the event was Toshao of Shulinab, Nicholas Fredericks, who recalled the community’s long-standing call for improved access to education.
“We have been advocating for this school since 2006… I want to thank you and the Government of Guyana, especially His Excellency President Irfaan Ali, for delivering this very important institution to us.”
Toshao Nicholas added, “Education is empowerment. As Indigenous people, we’ve had limited access to education for years, and what you have done here, Minister, is bring education to our communities when it’s needed. This is a prime time, and it’s something we’ll cherish for the rest of our lives. It’s going to change our community, and it’s going to change our children.”
He continued, “It’s very exciting when we make requests and we have a Government that responds – not just responds, but in a timely manner. This is what we’re talking about. We are willing to work with any Government that listens to us.”
Meanwhile, Senior Councillor of Meriwau, Jones Stephen, described the occasion as deeply personal and emotional.
“Well, Minister, it’s an honour to be standing here for this grand ceremony… It’s a historic moment for me. Growing up, I didn’t have this opportunity to just run out of my door and go to school – but now the children have that.”
She recalled that her father, who also served as the senior councillor, dreamt of one day seeing the village have its own school.
“Now I am the Senior Councillor, and I’m seeing it come to life. It shows that the Government listens – it might take time, but it happens. We now have our own school, our own PTAs, and our own systems as a satellite village. We are so happy for that.”
She added, “On behalf of my people, we are very supportive of the Government. You are doing a great job, and we support you 100 per cent every day. Sometimes it’s emotional, but we are grateful.”
The newly-commissioned facility also includes a teacher’s quarters and will soon feature a kitchen – both critical additions for sustainability and comfort in the remote setting.
The project forms part of the Government of Guyana’s continued effort to improve educational access and infrastructure in hinterland and Indigenous communities.
