501 trained teachers graduate from the CPCE
—86th graduation ceremony held virtually
The Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE), on Tuesday, held its 86th graduation exercise virtually.
The College saw its largest batch of graduates, with 501 students graduating with the Associate Degree in Education. Ms. Kelsea Peters is this year’s best overall graduating student.
The breakdown by programme is as follows: 127 from the Early Childhood Programme, 166 from the Primary level and 208 from the Secondary level (107 for Secondary, Academic and 101 for Secondary, Pre-Vocational).
Eight per cent of the students graduated with distinctions, 91 per cent with credit and one per cent with a pass.
Delivering the charge to the graduates, Chief Education Officer, Dr. Marcel Hutson, urged them to transform the teaching service in Guyana. He added as teachers, they should never be afraid and should find new ways to improve learning.
“Never lose focus of your passion and purpose…remember, the future of the nation’s children is in your hands; believe in yourself and never be afraid to be creative and innovative… As a teacher, you must seek to empower those children, your charges, so that they can fulfil their purpose,” the CEO said.
Dr. Hutson said teachers are freedom fighters with weapons of knowledge, wisdom and skill and that the society cannot survive without education. He urged the teachers to be disciplined and dedicated to their cause and set standards that will improve the teaching service and the classroom.
During her report, the Principal of the CPCE, Ms. Viola Rowe, highlighted the challenges faced by graduates and the College caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. She said the pandemic revealed the College’s vulnerability and the need for ICT to become a focal point for discussions.
The Principal added that the CPCE is committed to achieving Minister of Education, Hon. Priya Manickchand’s plan to have 100 per cent trained teachers in schools.
Ms. Rowe noted that teacher training has come a long way. She said the graduates have worked through difficult and uncertain times, and the resilience they demonstrated is commendable and will boost the education system.
The Principal added that the College is moving to have an online presence and has received over 2,000 online applications with being the deadline tomorrow for applications submission.