MoE moves to elevate Linden secondary schools to G/town standards – Manickchand

…aims to end students’ travel

Education Minister, Priya Manickchand has announced plans to bring Linden’s secondary schools up to the standards of Georgetown’s top institutions, with the long-term goal of ending the daily exodus of students to the capital for quality education.

Speaking at the launch of the ‘Because We Care’ cash grant distribution exercise in Linden, Region Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice), Minister Manickchand highlighted that the Ministry is actively working to commence the construction of the new Christiansburg Wismar Secondary School, among other upgrades.
“Every morning, every morning, a couple buses, a few buses leave Linden. Every single morning to take your children to Queens College, bishops, saints, roses, josephs. And my dream is that they never have to. That they can stay here in the McKenzie High, stay here in Christiansburg, stay here at foundations, stay here and do as well. That’s the new effort. That we’re probably training all these teachers, giving all these resources, and we’re not seeing it back in the school,” Minister Manickchand said.
Region Ten was praised as having the highest percentage of trained teachers per capita in Guyana, the total 110 percent.
According to Manickchand, in 2023 alone, over 1,770 teachers graduated, more than three times the previous highest record in Guyana’s history.
“Up to 2021, if you were a trainee in college, you were getting $9,000, let’s call it $10,000, a stipend. Now every single teacher, see that young teacher training there? It always is very nice to see a teenager who wants to do that. She’s getting a full salary of over $100,000, over $100,000. Every single trained teacher”.
“We are the only country. Thank you. And all the countries, we are paying for those who participate in college. You have to pay,” she added.
Recognizing that children learn differently today, the Minister was frank in reminding parents that while the government can provide infrastructure, training, food, and cash grants—they cannot get children out of bed and into classrooms.
In this regard, she called on parents to be active partners, ensuring their children show up, apply for scholarships, and take advantage of the full range of opportunities available. “It can’t land in your lap,” she said. “Turn up, show up, and you’ll succeed.”
Further Manickchand reminded families that students in Region Ten now have access to over 40 international universities through the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) programme, earning diplomas, degrees, and even PhDs at no cost.
“If your child puts in the work, they can become anything they want—from right here in Linden,” she said. “We’re wiping out student debt. We’re giving second chances. That’s love in action.”
“There are schools where the teachers are working, but the children don’t show up,” she said. “And there are schools where children are coming, but the teachers aren’t doing enough. We’re fixing both ends.”