Education Ministry pledges support to parents and teachers
— as schools remain closed for September
DPI, Guyana, Friday, August 14, 2020
Following the recent announcement by the Minister of Education, Hon. Priya Manickchand, that schools are to remain closed for face-to-face classes amid COVID-19, the Minister took the opportunity to applaud hard-working teachers and parents, while pledging the Ministry’s support.
She remarked that their dedication has been crucial during this time, and the Ministry is pleased with their efforts. Further, she encouraged parents as well as teachers to reach out for help if the need arises.
“We understand some parents, teachers and schools have engaged their children academically, by various means and we roundly applaud and are deeply grateful for those efforts. We encourage all to continue to do this where possible, from as early as possible and if you need help doing that, let us know.”
She assured that the Ministry will be working to ensure all students are actively engaged when schools reopen for face-to-face sessions.
All schools will operate remotely in September, to ensure the safety of all those involved in the Education Sector and their families. Methods including television, internet and special learning kits and packages, will be made available for students. Teachers are also to re-trained to cater to the changing needs of students.
As the world is now looking at technological delivery, Minister Manickchand reminded that Guyana had that foresight years ago when H.E. Bharrat Jagdeo, former President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, commissioned the Guyana Learning Channel in 2011.
“Such was the vision, aptitude, the practical; and caring application of our resources with a view for delivering equitable and quality education when there was no COVID-19.”
The new learning adjustments are to be activated by the second week in September so that all students can be actively engaged.
When physical interactions resume, teachers and students may be placed on rotations and an extra week may be added to the term, according to Minister Manickchand. However, the situation is subjected to change depending on the evolution of the virus.