5B’s in action!
– Hosororo students receive learning boost
DPI, Guyana, Saturday, October 19, 2019
Dozens of students of the Hosororo Primary and Secondary Schools on Saturday received a learning boost through the Public Education and Transportation System (P.E.T.S).
Sitting on the outskirts of Mabaruma, the two schools are home to 448 students. The students received shoes and uniforms, enabling them to attend classes regularly.
P.E.T.S, commonly referred to as the 5B’s initiative, was piloted by His Excellency, President David Granger and has significantly improved student performance over the last year.
Children living in vulnerable communities, riverain and hinterland areas or far from their schools, have benefited from the initiative through the provision of buses, boats, bicycles, books and breakfast – all free of charge. This programme was rolled out in all ten administrative regions and has entirely transformed children’s access to education.
Director-General (DG) of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon, who provided the students with the supplies, underscored the importance of holistic education for the development of the nation.
The DG was at the time engaging residents of Hosororo, and surrounding communities in the Mabaruma sub-district, at a well-attended community meeting where he listened to residents’ concerns. Among the matters raised was the rehabilitation of the community playfield and the creation of safe school zones.
Harmon explained that it is the duty of the government, led by H.E President David Granger, to ensure the safety, progression and development of Guyana’s children. Adding that the government will continue to implement smart classrooms, improve schools and serve all people within Guyana’s borders.
“Education is our priority… [we must] break the cycle of poverty through education,” Harmon emphasised.