Children will not be left unattended – CPCE students, retired teachers on standby

─ schools will be in session on September 3, parents urged to send their children out to school

─ MOE on a nationwide campaign to reach out to parents and teachers, recommitting govt’s steadfast support to the education sector

─ “I know that good judgment and common sense will prevail in Guyana. We may lose some battles, but we will win the war” – Min. Henry 

DPI, Guyana, Monday, August 27, 2018

The Ministry of Education today said it will be galvanizing the support of retired teachers and students of the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) to fall into place in the event the strike action of the Guyana Teacher’s Union (GTU) continues into the commencement of the new school term on September 3.

Addressing parents and teachers in Regions Five and Six today, Chief Education Officer (CEO), Marcel Hutson said the contingency plan by the ministry will ensure that the strike action by the GTU has minimal impact on the students.

Chief Education Officer (CEO), Marcel Hutson.

Minister of Education, Nicolette Henry speaking to parents and teachers at the Berbice High School.

Some teachers and parents at the meeting today.

According to the CEO, there are currently 204 continuing students, 98 prospective graduates and a number of final year students at the CPCE. Those, he said, will be utilised by the ministry to fill the gap if the need arises. There are also monitors, coordinators and retired teachers that “we will be tapping into” along with the parents to assist in the process, the CEO disclosed.

Hutson assured parents that they need not worry about the affairs of their children should the GTU maintain its position on industrial action.

The ministry is on a nationwide campaign to reach out to parents and teachers, recommitting the government’s steadfast support to the education sector in the face of the current circumstance.

Education Minister, Nicolette Henry reminded the teachers and parents of the talks that the ministry has had with the GTU during this month to come to an agreement. She noted that out of the eight proposals put forward by the union, seven of them were either partially or fully addressed.

The minister stressed the importance of education and said schools will be opened on September 3 and urged parents to send their children out to school.

The minister said Guyana must win the war against illiteracy, noting that this will only be done if children attend school and benefit from the education system.

“I know that good judgment and common sense will prevail in Guyana. We may lose some battles, but we will win the war,” the minister said.

Alexis Rodney

Image: Akeem Thomas