“We cannot keep the school doors closed” – Manickchand

– says all Guyanese must observe WHO/PAHO guidelines

Education Minister, Priya Priya Manickchand during an outreach in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) on Saturday stated that the Government has done a remarkable job in putting measures in place for the reopening of schools.
She nevertheless stated that while they will be happy for all the children to return to school, this is impossible at this time.

“We don’t believe as yet that it is safe to put all of our children back in school. We believe at this point, given varying factors that it is advisable to open schools for grades of 10, 11 and 12 (fourth fifth and sixth form) to allow those students who are older, back into school so that they can prepare for their exams,” the minister noted.
The Minister said, in order to open schools, it was compulsory for every student, teacher and member of the auxiliary staff to wear face masks.
“We are one of the only countries in the world who gave this kind of support by giving these items to our teachers; a lot of countries opened and did not do that. We believe that while it is not an obligation it is important that each of us because our very best at this time to ensure that together we can combat this thing called COVID.”
Some parents were reluctant to send their children to school taking into consideration, the dangers of the pandemic.
But according to the minister, those parents were given the option to home school their children while noting that students from primary and nursery schools will remain at home.
“We cannot keep the school doors closed or we can end up in trouble with what happens to your children educationally…so at some point in time, the children will have to attend school.”

However, she believes that if at least 80 percent of Guyanese were to sanitize and wash their hands frequently and adhere to social distancing, Guyana will be safe from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Meanwhile, the Education Minister applauded the efforts of teachers who have gone the extra mile to ensure that children receive instructional and guidance.
“Those who are doing their best to ensure that the children are engaged I want to commend. They have done their best in trying to engage students.”
“… not all teachers because we have also received complaints, we have had some lazy teachers who have done nothing. But of course, we don’t always hear about the teacher who is doing work late into the night and reaching your child however, he or she can. We usually hear about the teacher who did nothing but are few in number and do not reflect walk the teaching service in Guyana at this point in time looks like,” the minister noted.
School doors were opened from November 9 for students of grades 10, 11 and 12 as well as for all Practical Instruction Centres (PICs) and Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) Centres.
Prior to the reopening of schools, the ministry has held a number of consultations with the Health Ministry, medical professionals, CXC, head teachers, teachers, the Guyana Teachers’ Union, parents, students and other stakeholders to discuss and consider the relevant issues relating to the pandemic.
Internationally, several countries have reopened schools. Germany and France announced on Wednesday that their schools will remain open while taking the necessary precautions. Ireland too had decided that schools will remain open despite restrictions being placed on other sectors. Regionally, Jamaica has begun a phased reopening, starting with 17 institutions in nine parishes.