Education and equality for all
DPI, Guyana, Tuesday, June 18, 2019
“We have a motto in government, “Every child in school” (ECIS) and it is our mission to ensure that every child is in school,”
This reassurance was given by President David Granger to the students and teachers of St. John’s the Baptist Primary School in Bartica.
The Head of State visited the school today, June 18, minutes before he is scheduled to preside over the first-ever Cabinet meeting to be hosted in the Cuyuni-Mazaruni area, Region Seven,
Whilst emphasising the importance of education to the assembly, President Granger also underscored the Coalition Government’s strong support of the three A’s in the education system – access, attendance and achievement.
“You cannot blame children who are living far away if they cannot get to school…that is why we handed out the bus, what is called the David G bus and why we provide the bicycles,” he explained.
President Granger expressed his commitment to the five B’s programme which provides free books, and boots, as well as free transportation via bicycles, buses and boats to vulnerable students.
“We will continue to provide buses and bicycles but we also provide boats so those of you living in the riverine areas so you could get to school.”
The President emphasised that every child in Guyana must be given an equal opportunity to education. This, he explained, means that there must be sufficient schools underscoring that there must be no difference between the coastland and hinterland.
Since assuming office, the Coalition government has been working assiduously to bridge the gap between the coastland and the hinterland, especially in the education sector by ensuring that each child has access to quality education.
Also present at the assembly was Minister of Education, Dr. Nicolette Henry.
Images: Keno George and Kawise Wishart