Region 3 chosen for Govt CXC remedial pilot to advance youth development

In a bold new move to uplift young people who have fallen through the cracks of the education system, President Dr Irfaan Ali on Monday announced that Region Three (Essequibo Islands–West Demerara) will be the launch site for the Government’s first-ever Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) remedial education pilot programme.

Speaking to residents at a packed community outreach in Goed Fortuin Housing Scheme, the President outlined plans to rehabilitate a building in the area and transform it into a state-of-the-art e-learning and training hub. This facility will be equipped with digital infrastructure to support remedial learning for the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC), targeting young people who did not complete their secondary education or who failed core subjects.
“This is not just about academics. This is about hope. It’s about giving our young people a second shot at success—and backing that up with real training and guaranteed employment,” the President declared.
The e-learning centre will feature high-speed internet, digital curriculum resources, and guided support to help students prepare for and pass at least four CXC subjects. But it doesn’t end there—the programme goes a step further by offering participants the opportunity to transition directly into the Government’s hybrid nursing assistant programme, complete with a monthly stipend and a guaranteed job upon graduation.
President Ali made it clear that this initiative is part of a wider commitment to inclusive development, particularly for youths who may have left school early due to personal, economic, or social challenges. On this point, he underscored that remedial education is essential to ensuring that no citizen is left behind in Guyana’s transformation.
“We can’t talk about building a world-class healthcare system, a modern economy, and an equitable society without lifting up those who were left out of the system. Education is the key, and remedial education is one of the most powerful tools to unlock second chances,” he said.
The first 30 participants will be drawn from Region Three, with a focus on young men and women who show motivation and commitment to learning. The model is expected to serve as a template for expansion to other regions once proven effective.
This initiative forms part of the Government’s highly anticipated Guyana Digital School, a revolutionary online education platform set to be officially launched in the coming weeks.
This initiative, led by the President Dr Irfaan Ali, aims to provide high-quality digital lessons to students across the country, ensuring that no child is left behind due to geographical or financial barriers.
The digital school will house the entire CXC curriculum, offering various resources such as digital textbooks, instructional videos, interactive exercises, quizzes, and Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven assessments. The AI technology will analyse student performance, identify weaknesses, and recommend personalised reinforcement materials to aid in learning.
For instance, in social studies, students will first review pre-class notes before engaging in interactive lessons. The platform will then provide video explanations, crossword puzzles, and quizzes, reinforcing key concepts aligned with the Guyanese and CXC curriculum. Additionally, cultural content and local references—such as traditional foods and blended family structures—will be incorporated to enhance relatability and engagement.
Beyond standard coursework, the digital school will also offer supplementary programmes, including entrepreneurial training, cultural studies, electronic nursing and accounting courses, and remedial education for adults in the evenings.