Over 20,000 students across Guyana, Caricom sign up as Guyana Digital School launches

…initiative will transform education delivery across Caribbean” – Barbados PM, Grenada PM

Employing a four-quadrant approach to learning, integrating technology, content, engagement, and hands-on experiences, the Guyana Digital School was officially launched on Friday, promising to transform education and equip students with the skills needed for the 21st century.

The initiative, the brainchild of President Dr Irfaan Ali, saw scores of pupils tuning in virtually from several regions across Guyana. Students from other CARICOM states also joined, with plans in place to extend full access to learners across the region when the programme opens.
According to President Ali, the digital school is more than just an online platform; it is a gateway to digital learning and an enabler of essential skills for students, particularly those who face challenges accessing traditional schooling.
“Importantly, the digital school will have a comprehensive digital library with all the textbooks our students require for CSEC and other examinations. Children across CARICOM, as well as in Guyana, will now have access to these resources.”
He further highlighted that students will have access to all textbooks for CXC and other examinations, not only in Guyana but also across the wider CARICOM region, ensuring standardised learning opportunities throughout the Caribbean.
“No student will be left behind due to lack of textbooks. Every investment we make is designed with our CARICOM brothers and sisters in mind because we are one,” the President said.

A new era in education
President Ali emphasised that the launch of the Guyana Digital School marks the beginning of an era in which education is continuous, flexible, and inclusive.
“The world will not slow down for Guyana. Technology will not pause for us to catch up. Opportunity will not freeze in time until we are ready. We must prepare now. We must invest now. We must train now. And through the Guyana Digital School, we are doing exactly that. Today is not the end of a project; it is the beginning of an era in which every Guyanese child has access to the world from wherever they are,” he said.
He added that teachers will be empowered with modern tools, students will engage with digital resources at any hour, and practical, activity-based projects will deepen understanding. The initiative, he noted, also bridges the digital divide while creating equal opportunities for all students to succeed.

Over 20,000 students registered
Education Minister Sonia Parag reported that 20,368 students from Grades 10 and 11 across Guyana and CARICOM have already registered for the programme. The platform will expand to Grades Seven through Nine by early 2026.

Minister Parag explained that the school’s Four-Quadrant Approach integrates interactive online classes, a rich digital library, skill-building programmes beyond the standard curriculum, and practical projects that allow students to apply knowledge.
“Educators and curriculum experts have commended the depth and vision of this model. Students gain direct access to teachers, explore digital resources at any time, and engage with AI-supported tools that personalise learning and strengthen weak areas. These elements collectively create a forward-looking, dynamic learning environment,” she said.
She emphasised that the digital school complements rather than replaces traditional schooling. “This is not an abandonment of traditional schooling; it strengthens it. It introduces new avenues for learning so no child falls behind due to distance, circumstance, or pace,” she added.

Transform Caribbean
Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Amor Mottley lauded President Ali’s bold vision, stating that it gives every Caribbean child the tools to learn, grow, and succeed.
“Whether in the coastlands or hinterlands of Guyana, Barbados, St Kitts, or St Lucia, children now have access to learning at their fingertips. This is a momentous day for education across the region,” she said.
Grenada’s Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell also congratulated the Government of Guyana, highlighting the platform’s potential to enhance student performance and provide equitable access to technology and guidance.
“I have instructed our Minister of Education to ensure Grenada is actively involved in this initiative. I am confident it will transform education delivery across CARICOM,” he stated.
The Guyana Digital School employs a blended learning model that combines technology, content, engagement, and hands-on experience. Students benefit from AI-supported learning tools, live classes with trained educators, and access to a comprehensive digital library. The platform also supports skill-building beyond the traditional curriculum, helping learners acquire practical and digital competencies essential for the modern workforce.