Through direct funding from the Zara Group of Companies, Queens, New York, 31 computer systems have been donated along with a brand-new computer lab, to the Government Technical Institute (GTI).
These computers are powered with high-tech software and are equipped with high-end IT hardware, which will significantly improve the GTI administration’s ability to teach students.
The Zara Group of Companies Family alongside other officials
The computers also have a server with paid licensed programs.
Speaking during the handing-over session on Monday, Ken Subraj – President of the Zara realty Holding Inc and the main person who spearheaded this initiative, delivered an inspirational message to the students upon receiving these devices.
According to him, if students want to achieve greatness in life, they must first understand that they are the ones responsible for making it happen.
“It’s not going to come to you just like that. No one is going to come to give you all the knowledge just like that; you have to want to do it. No one is going to force it upon you; you have to want this education. No one is going to come and pour it down your ears, and if you can find that person who will do that, I want to meet him,” he stated.
Principal of GTI, Tiffanie Charles Persuad, highlighted that these tools will help Guyanese students excel in the emerging sectors.
“This is a vision that will equip our students with the essential skills to thrive in Guyana’s booming economy. The development promises sustainable growth and prosperity for our country, and all of this would be incomplete without the skills of today,” she said during the opening.
“This PC lab represents a significant step towards meeting the demands of the growing economy. The labs will provide students with hands-on knowledge in the rapidly advancing field of technology. Through this initiative, we are strengthening our curriculum and bridging the gap between the classroom and the real world.”
Meanwhile, the Chief Education Officer (Technical), Dr Ritesh Tuluram, also shared remarks, explaining that this initiative aligns with the Education Ministry’s efforts to help students in technical fields.
“We are developing a framework that will ensure we provide quality TVET using an online modality. Given all that was described initially, we now have a state-of-the-art laboratory with a server system of 31 units, all well-powered and equipped with software for various programs. With the connectivity we have, we can use this as a model to train people across the regions,” he said.
He also added, “The Ministry’s priority and focus is on how we bridge the gap in tech education. I want to assure this group and team of people that we will not be sitting idly as it relates to the agenda before us.”
In an exciting twist Dr. Tuluram also mentioned that other technical pursuits are underway by the Subraj family.
“I know it’s a vision of Ken Subraj to identify a space in this facility and set up what we will call a state-of-the-art instrumentation laboratory. I am confident that, as we hand over this lab, it is in the pipeline of their thinking, and the Education Ministry will work with the team to ensure that we realize this instrumentation laboratory. Given what is happening in the landscape of Guyana, we recognize the many opportunities in tech, and we must ensure that our programs are always relevant and aligned with the changing landscape.”
Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner of the Guyana Police Force, Mr. Ranidradat Budhram, who was also present at the event, emphasized the importance of maintenance when using these computers.
“One of the main things I would reiterate is maintenance, so that our young minds can continue to use them. Even though these labs were donated to us, these are state-of-the-art systems. The benefits of this lab also include employment opportunities and other major skills you can acquire from using these devices.”
