US$1.2M PID commissioned at North West Secondary School

The new Practical Instruction Department (PID) which was constructed to the tune of US$1.2 million at the North West Secondary School in Mabaruma, Region 1 (Barima-Waini) was commissioned on Wednesday.
This important initiative targets 400 students and aims to enhance vocational training opportunities for students in the region after it was initially destroyed by fire in 2021. The North West PID is tailored specifically for students from local schools who aspire to pursue careers in technical and vocational fields.
The facility will provide specialized training programs and resources designed to equip students with practical skills and certifications necessary for various trades and professions.

In her remarks at the commissioning ceremony, Education Minister, Priya Manickchand emphasized the transformative impact of the new centre.
“Today is a very good day for us, it’s a very special day in the Ministry of Education and the Government of Guyana and that’s because we’re able to bring to fruition something we’ve dreamt of. That is, giving more opportunities to the children of Region One.”
She elaborated on the current developments in education correlating with this year’s Education Month theme. “We’re investing in education, we’re going to bridge gaps and opportunities will be created, and that is the theme of our life every single day,” she said.
Further, Manickchand noted that over the years, the interest in Amerindian and Hinterland Education Development has grown and shown with the creation of the office of Amerindian and Hinterland Education Development.
“We made very specific and clear directions, for the Ministry; that every child, wherever they exist, on the highest mountain or deepest valley, along every river bank, on every roadside, would be able to access nursery, primary and secondary education.”
Chief Education Officer (CEO) Saddam Hussain explained what the PID commissioning meant for their educational future.
“Matriculation is your ability to continue learning. It is your ability to access further training. So this is how the Ministry of Education in Guyana sees matriculation. It is your ability when you finish secondary school, to access post-secondary training. It’s your ability to enter a technical institute, the University of Guyana, a University through GOAL, Cyril Potter College of Education and Carnegie School of Home Economics. Previously, for you to matriculate, the only thing you could’ve gotten was river subjects at CSEC inclusive of English and Mathematics. Now the Ministry of Education has looked extensively at this. This is a very limited position. And so we’re very happy to start this discussion today to say to you, that matriculation will not only be five subjects, but it will also be attainment of a CVQ Level I certificate.”
Deputy Chief Education Officer with responsibility for TVET, Dr. Ritesh Tularam highlighting the centre’s role in shaping the future workforce.
“It’s a momentous occasion as well as a historic celebration for technical education in this country and by extension, this region, at large.”
He noted that citizens and students of Region One will have access to such a modern facility.
“There are five occupational areas our students can now enroll in, and they can exit those programmes with a CVQ Level I Certificate. These are, furniture making, motor vehicle repairs, electrical installation, commercial food preparation and home management.”
The DCEO – Tech further explained that as a result of PID, students from the region will now have the mobility to do further levels of CVQ Certification.
“By its nature and design, they (the students) don’t have to go to Georgetown, they don’t have to go to Linden, they don’t have to go to Essequibo. But they can stay right here in this beautiful space and they can earn a CVQ Level III. By extension, they can have further education. They can go to the University of Guyana and complete their CVQ Level IV, or as we know it, a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering related programme as well as the Hospitality in Tourism programme.”
The North West PID will offer hands-on workshops, industry-relevant training programs, and certification courses aimed at preparing students for successful careers.
The centre’s establishment is expected to enhance career readiness and support the local economy by developing a skilled and knowledgeable workforce.
The ceremony was attended by Housing and Water Minister, Colin Croal, regional officials, educators, and students, all of whom expressed their support and enthusiasm for the new facility.
The commissioning of the North West PID reflects the Ministry of Education’s ongoing dedication to expanding vocational training and improving educational opportunities throughout Guyana.