UG creates historic 1st as 18 Rupununi teachers graduate with CDL/MPE

Eighteen nursery school teachers from the South and Central Rupununi in Region Nine made history on November 22, 2025, when they graduated with the Certificate in Dual Language/Multilingual Practice in Education (CDL/MPE).
Their achievement not only strengthens the nation’s capacity to better support multilingual learners but also marks the University of Guyana’s first cohort of graduates in this specialised field.

The teachers who participated in the year-long, full-time programme were drawn from the villages of Achiwib, Aishalton, Awarewaunau, Karaudarnau, Katoonarib, Katu’ur, Maruranau, Rupunau, Sand Creek, Sawariwau, Shea, Shiriri, and Shulinab.
Central to the CDL/MPE programme was its teacher- and student-centred design, which encouraged participants to act as reflective practitioners and researchers. Within the programme, the teacher/students were termed Junior Researchers (JRs), and the facilitators, Senior Researchers (SRs). JRs met twice weekly with SRs for three-hour sessions from October 2024 to July 2025.
Through “proof of practice” methods, JRs presented classroom video recordings, conducted self-observations, created culturally relevant resources, and carried out interviews with parents and children to document local language use.
The programme generated several important resources, including the Wapichan Phonics Curriculum for the nursery levels and a series of Wapichan Big Books created by the JRs. While long-term outcomes will require further study, early classroom observations are promising. JRs report greater student participation, clearer comprehension, and increased pride among children using Wapichan in class.
As one participant noted, “Dual and multilingual education has helped my learners gain confidence, communicate better, and express themselves freely. They participate more and understand concepts faster, showing greater cultural awareness.”
Graduates described the programme as transformative for their teaching, confidence, and understanding of language in education.
Lourinca James shared, “This programme reshaped my classroom into a more inclusive and empowering environment where children’s voices are heard. Multilingual education transforms classrooms into spaces where children can thrive.”
“Earning this certificate is a dream come true. It equips me to help revolutionise education in the Rupununi, build cultural identity, and enrich young minds,” said Denis Gomes, another graduate.
For Dolores Rodrigues, the achievement “represents my fellow Wapichan people.” She expressed gratitude to the parents and learners of Shea Nursery School, the MoE, the IDB, UG lecturers, and her family for their support. “This programme has deepened my commitment to bilingual education. Thanks to my Heavenly Father, through whom all things are possible,” she added.
“At first I wasn’t motivated, but this programme opened my eyes to the importance of language in the classroom. When I use children’s home language, learning becomes joyful and meaningful. This programme is even helping me as I pursue my degree,” said Tracy, another teacher who completed the programme.
Elaine Joseph described the programme as “a truly transformative experience that strengthened my ability to use children’s home language to explain difficult concepts. I now feel more confident and better equipped to support diverse learners. I highly recommend this programme to other educators.”
For teacher Fatima Wilson, the journey has been “a testament to resilience and determination. I am proud to be part of the first cohort to earn this certificate and excited to use my knowledge to positively impact my school and Guyana.” Finally, Elsie Griffith, another graduate, stated, “I am proud to be a certified university graduate. Though challenging, the programme was worth it. I am committed to creating classrooms where the Wapichan language is encouraged and included.”

The initiative has its genesis in May 2022, when Vice-Chancellor Professor Paloma Mohamed Martin informed the Faculty of Education and Humanities (FEH) that the Ministry of Education (MoE) was seeking support for an intercultural bilingual education programme for Wapichan children.
The Guyanese Languages Unit (GLU), which is part of the FEH, accepted the request and collaborated with the MoE to launch the programme. It was first envisioned as six short workshops but eventually evolved into a full-time, online university programme, allowing teachers in remote areas to participate without leaving their villages.
The CDL/MPE programme represents a significant step forward for mother-tongue-based bilingual education in Guyana. Through reflective practice, community engagement, and a renewed commitment to Indigenous language, the programme has laid a strong foundation for culturally grounded and pedagogically sound education for children.