Strengthening safety & modernising education in 2026

The reopening of schools nationwide this Monday is accompanied by a renewed emphasis on student safety and education reform. The Education Ministry has announced a series of initiatives for 2026, central to which is an intensified anti-bullying and anti-violence campaign. This campaign signals recognition of the pressing need to ensure that schools are environments where learning can occur free from fear, intimidation, and harm.
Reports of bullying and violent incidents in schools across the country during 2025 highlighted persistent challenges in safeguarding students. Cases that circulated on social media drew public attention and amplified concerns among parents, teachers, and education stakeholders about the adequacy of existing protective measures. These incidents, ranging from isolated fights to patterns of harassment, underscored the necessity for robust, systematic interventions that prioritise student well-being alongside academic development.
The Ministry’s approach in 2026 reflects a commitment to both prevention and accountability. Strengthening existing measures, the campaign seeks to reduce, and ultimately eliminate, instances of bullying in schools. Central to this initiative is the introduction of an online reporting platform, allowing students, parents, and teachers to report bullying incidents confidentially. This tool serves multiple purposes, it facilitates timely responses to individual cases, provides data to identify trends in student safety, and encourages a culture of openness in reporting incidents that might otherwise remain unaddressed.
Confidential reporting is essential in overcoming barriers that have historically hindered intervention. Fear of retaliation or social stigma often discourages students and witnesses from coming forward. By creating a secure and accessible reporting mechanism, the Ministry enables swift action, ensuring that interventions are both responsive and effective. The broader goal extends beyond addressing individual cases: it is to cultivate school cultures grounded in respect, empathy, and accountability.
In tandem with anti-bullying measures, the Ministry is rolling out a moral and civic education programme across all levels of schooling, from nursery through secondary school. Announced by the President, this initiative aims to reinforce core ethical principles, civic responsibility, and social awareness among students. In an era of complex social pressures and rapid digital influence, formal education in moral and civic conduct equips young people to make informed, constructive choices. Embedding these lessons into the national curriculum recognises that academic achievement cannot be separated from character development and social responsibility.
Digital innovation also remains a cornerstone of the education reform agenda. The Guyana Digital School initiative, launched in December 2025, exemplifies the modernisation of the sector. Initially providing resources for Grades Seven to Eleven, the platform is being expanded to support primary school students preparing for the National Grade Six Assessment. Continuous updates informed by teacher and student feedback aim to optimise the platform’s utility and accessibility. This digital infrastructure not only enhances learning opportunities but also addresses disparities in access to educational resources, ensuring a more inclusive and equitable system.
These reforms collectively represent a comprehensive strategy that addresses both immediate safety concerns and long-term educational objectives. Prioritising student welfare through anti-bullying initiatives, integrating moral and civic education, and embracing digital learning platforms are measures designed to create an environment conducive to academic success and personal development. Implementation, however, requires sustained commitment, oversight, and collaboration among schools, parents, and education authorities to achieve meaningful results.
The success of these initiatives will ultimately be measured by the extent to which schools are able to provide secure, supportive, and effective learning environments. By addressing the underlying social and behavioural dynamics that contribute to bullying and violence, the Ministry can foster a culture of respect and accountability. Simultaneously, investment in digital learning and moral education ensures that students are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to thrive in an increasingly complex society.
The 2026 school term begins with more than the routine resumption of classes. It opens with a clear commitment to safeguarding students, modernising education, and cultivating values essential for personal and societal growth. Ensuring student safety, promoting ethical and civic awareness, and advancing digital education are not merely administrative priorities; they are fundamental to building a resilient, informed, and capable future generation.