Education Ministry eyes implementation of TVET programme at St. Ignatius Secondary

Students of the St. Ignatius Secondary School, Region Nine, could soon benefit from Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes, as the education ministry seeks to advance the learning capacity there.

The aggressive intervention is being strategically considered, as the nation transforms into a more skill- based, manpower-driven economy.

Chief School Inspector, Saddam Hussain said he is making recommendations for TVET to be introduced into the school’s learning curriculum, as one of the main areas of study.

Hussain, along with technical officers, recently wrapped up a series of inspections at several learning facilities in the Upper Takutu- Upper Essequibo district.

At the St. Ignatius Secondary School, the team carried out assessments to ensure the curriculum is properly delivered and all School Based Assessments (SBAs) meet the deadline. The dorms were also inspected to ensure students are protected and their sleeping conditions are favourable.

Hussain told DPI that the ministry’s focus is to ensure standard education is delivered to students, despite their geographical location. He is also satisfied that two teachers are receiving virtual training from the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE).

“One has to be worthy of the vision of the Honourable Minister of Education in pushing forward because we have moved from 500 students per year to 3,000. I am very happy to see that students are participating in CPCE programme. Of course, from this we also have some recommendations which we will take back to Georgetown, in terms of the programme itself and access to the programme,” the Chief Schools Inspector said.

Meanwhile, the school is currently battling the learning lost, due to the advent of COVID-19.

Of recent, the learning facility received equipment which boosted its ability for children to access information from the Guyana Learning Channel.

“The teachers are also enthusiastic about using the programme, and I know they will tune their teaching skills and their schemes of work to utilise the Guyana Learning Channel to the maximum to benefit the student,” Deputy Principal, Lucille Williams told DPI. To make up for the education lost, she said there are additional classes apart from those time -tabled.