Schools to remain closed in May – Education Minister

…teachers, parents urged to get vaccinated

Education Minister Priya Manickchand has announced a continued closure for schools across the country throughout May, except for the senior levels that were previously allowed face-to-face learning.
In a virtual statement, Manickchand said the decision to keep schools closed was made after Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony briefed Cabinet on the existing coronavirus situation. Concerns were raised about the slow uptake of vaccines in some communities, which can affect the infection rate.
“The Cabinet met and heard from Dr Frank Anthony, the Minister of Health about various statistics and the vaccination programme. While we were pleased that some persons came out to be vaccinated and that programme has been smooth in terms of its administration, we’re concerned about the sloth of some communities by region and particular stakeholder groups that have been slow in receiving the vaccines,” Manickchand informed.

In light of the current situation, the Minister has encouraged teachers and teachers/guardians to take the vaccine. More than 25 per cent of the adult population have received their first dose.
“The Government continues to maintain that the vaccination process is voluntary in terms of whether someone receives it. But I want to say that all the science in the world has said to us that it is safer to take the vaccine…While it remains your choice and you’re not going to be forced to take the vaccine, I encourage persons, particularly teachers and parents and grandparents, to go out and take the vaccine.”
At the end of May, the Ministry will determine whether classrooms will be reopened in June.
In the meantime, the Education Ministry has been working to deliver the curriculum on other platforms, especially through online teaching, the Guyana Learning Channel, Interactive Radio Instructions, and through the distribution of worksheets and other printed learning materials.
The Ministry has already embarked on a massive training programme to equip teachers with the skills needed to deliver teaching in the new circumstances.
Classroom activity has been restricted since mid-March 2020 when Guyana started witnessing an increase in positive cases. Presently, Grades 10, 11 and 12 students and those from Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions are facilitated in a classroom setting.
The Education Ministry had given parents the option of keeping their children home if they were uncomfortable sending them back to school in the COVID-19 situation. Parents could have also opted to have their children transferred to the nearest secondary school – a process completed in less than 24 hours. (G12)