Unique learning experience promised as NCERD launces inaugural Social Studies Expo

As part of the Education Ministry efforts to strengthen Social Studies in Guyana, the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD) on Monday commenced its Social Studies Expo.
The first ever Social Studies Expo launched by the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD) saw scores of students, teachers and education officers among others gathering at the National Center of Educational Resources Development (NCERD), headquarters Battery Road Georgetown to take part in a wide range of interactive educational activities.

The event aims to inspire creativity and foster a deeper understanding of societal dynamics among participants. At the launching ceremony it was explained that the goals of this initiative are to engage teachers in innovative ways to teach social studies skills, geography, and Caribbean history in order to improve students’ performances at the NGSA and CSEC levels.
Delivering remarks at the ceremony was Senior Education Officer, Shemlyn Batson-Andrews highlighted how the expo will help both learners and teachers.
“Over the three days, learners will be afforded the opportunity to be engaged in hands-on, minds-on activities that can boost their performance at the primary and secondary levels. This approach will help students to retain concepts, produce excellent results, and make learning fun. At the Expo, students will participate in quizzes to test their knowledge in various subject areas where prizes will be won for correct responses. Teachers at the secondary level will be aware of the changes in the social studies syllabus that will take effect from 2025.”
Also present at the event was Director of National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD) Omwattie Ramdin who explained that the expo will not only improve students grades but will also equip them with the necessary knowledge and skills to become well rounded individuals in society.

“So, it is not only an expo for an examination. Those are the short-term goals. We want you to do well. And that was the genesis behind the creation of this expo. But Social Studies is far more than passing an examination. For me, it will be futile If you pass an exam but you are not civic-minded or you litter your country or you are not for unity, then the examination is a waste of time and it’s just a grade. So, I don’t want you to come to this expo to observe all that you observe, to learn all you learn, but you are exactly the same Guyanese citizen there has to be changes.”
Additionally, Assistant Chief Education Officer (ACEO), for Secondary, Sherwyn Blackman during the opening ceremony noted that the event will act as a platform which will bolster students critical thinking through social studies.

“Students of a today’s society, we have to get back to a place where you look at the situation and you can critically analyze that situation so that you’re able to make better and more informed decisions. So that you’re able to take from all situation’s quality, excellent ideas that can help you in your life and your journey to become your success story. Social studies, therefore, forms that basis where collectively, each young person can therefore be able to make a decision one that can help you and your entire family.”
Moreover, the Assistant Chief Education Officer (ACEO) encouraged persons at the event to use the knowledge gained at the expo to reshape their lives.
“And so, I encourage persons, use all that you will learn from today’s activity and for the activity over the next three days to shape your lives, to shape your passion, to appreciate what you can do internally for yourselves and what you can do also for your country and the world. I ask of you to value and promote democracy and values throughout. Also ensuring that promotion, we stand firm on giving and showing respect for everyone.”
The three-day expo will be celebrated under the theme, “Igniting Minds, Transforming Societies”. Meanwhile this year at the National Grade Six Examinations (NGSA) Social Students saw an increase from 17 per cent to 52 per cent. At the CSEC level the subject social studies also saw an increase, rising from 53 per cent to 58 per cent in 2024.