“Role of visual arts in TVET cannot be overstated” – Senior Educational Officer

Recognizing the important role of visual arts in technical and vocational education and training (TVET), Senior Educational Officer Mark Roberts has noted that the subject produces qualities that are essential for Guyana’s workforce and industry.
Scores of teachers, students and local artists were among persons who crowded the laws of the Castellani House in Georgetown to participate in the Education Ministry’s annual National Visual Arts Fair and Exhibition, which was launched on Wednesday, November 6.

This fair, which would be held until November 16, would give persons the opportunity to view and purchase a wide array of products, ranging from paintings to hand crafted items; and aspiring artists would be afforded the opportunity to interact with several renowned Guyanese painters and designers.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the fair, Senior Educational Officer Mark Roberts, in reaffirming the important role visual arts play in TEVT, said, “The role of visual arts in technical and vocational education and training (TVET) cannot be overstated. Visual arts nurture creativity, enhance problem-solving skills, and drive innovation. These are qualities that are essential for our workforce and industry today.
“Today, through TVET, we are empowering students with practical artistic skills that prepare them for diverse career paths in design, media, fine arts, and beyond,” he declared.
Roberts also disclosed that the Education Ministry would continue to work with stakeholders and invest in the development of visual arts in Guyana when he said,
“The Ministry of Education, I must say, recognizes the value, and has placed visual arts at the core of the Strategic Plan (for education). By integrating arts education, we are fostering a generation that thinks creatively, innovates boldly, and communicates visually. Our aim is to continue to build strong partnerships with various art institutions, schools, and entities, provide resources for art programs, and expand access to high-quality visual arts education.”
Visual Arts Education Officer Lori-Ann Jacobs, who also delivered remarks at the opening ceremony of this fair, highlighted some of the work the MoE’s TVET Unit has done over the years when she said, “The Ministry of Education TVET Unit, led by Ms Marcia Paddy-Andrews, has been at the forefront of improving educational standards in all schools, and we have made significant strides this year. Our unit has been committing to training, equipping schools, revising curriculum, and closely monitoring and supervising the implementation of this curriculum to ensure that we meet and exceed TVET standards.”
With a national CSEC pass rate of 84% in visual arts this year, over 65% of Guyanese students who wrote the subject achieved grades One and Two passes. Notably, a total of 22 schools from across the country managed to achieve a whopping 100% pass rate in the subject; and several students have been awarded for exceptional performances at this year’s CSEC examinations.
This year’s Visual Arts Fair and Exhibition is being held under the theme: “Breaking Boundaries”.