Pres Ali commissions St Ignatius Practical Instruction Department

..says education should not be exclusively book knowledge

Recognising the growing importance of technical skills in today’s globally evolving landscape, and particularly within Guyana’s rapidly diversifying economy, President Dr Irfaan Ali emphasised the need to equip the country’s young people with the skills necessary to thrive in the modern workforce.

On Friday, the Head of State, accompanied by Minister of Education Priya Manickchand visited Region Nine (Upper Takutu–Upper Essequibo) to lead the commissioning ceremony for the St Ignatius Practical Instruction Department.
The newly established facility is poised to significantly impact the lives of Region Nine residents by providing them with essential hands-on skills needed to succeed in Guyana’s evolving economic landscape.
During his feature address, the Head of State stressed the critical importance of technical education in today’s rapidly changing society.
He noted that providing young people with early exposure to technical knowledge not only equips them with valuable, hands-on skills, but also helps to ignite passion and interest in various career paths.

“So the first reason that this investment is important from a purely educational perspective is this simple reason: education should not be exclusively about book knowledge. The second reason for encouraging practical education is that early exposure cultivates career passion. When you’re exposed to these different technical areas, it may ignite a passion in you that will help you to understand what you want to be in life; it develops a love for a technical area that you may not necessarily get only in theory and books.”
A major challenge that technical education aims to tackle is the re-engagement and re-education of school dropouts, as well as reducing the growing issue of youth unemployment, by providing them with marketable, in-demand skills.
According to President Ali, such early engagement can play a pivotal role in shaping the future workforce, fostering innovation, and preparing the next generation to meet the demands of a modern, diversified economy.

“Without early exposure, students may leave school with no marketable skill – perpetuating cycles of unemployment. So this investment is not only about now, this investment is about that future; creating that stronger future. That is why we say forward together for a better Guyana. The third reason is the broader economic benefit. The promotion of practical instruction centres like these aligns with the long-term needs for economy. A rapidly growing oil sector, agro-processing, construction, renewable energy,” he pointed out.
Moreover, President Ali revealed that a wide range of opportunities will soon become available for individuals equipped with technical skills.
He explained that several major infrastructure projects planned for Region Nine, including the construction of solar farms and hydropower facilities, will generate significant employment prospects for local residents.
According to the Head of State, these initiatives are part of the Government’s broader strategy to foster sustainable development, while ensuring that the people of Region Nine are actively involved in, and benefit from, the country’s transition to cleaner, renewable energy sources.