Get onboard with ‘smart classrooms’ – Min. Henry urges regional counterparts
DPI, Guyana, Thursday, October 24, 2019
Minister of Education, Hon. Dr. Nicolette Henry has urged education ministers from across the region, to introduce ‘smart classrooms’ in their respective countries, to increase the level of education delivery.
Minister Henry participated in the two-day 38th meeting of the Council for Human and Social Development (COHSOD), which opened on Wednesday at the Secretariat of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
“I encourage other colleagues who have not yet embarked on smart classrooms and other similar initiatives to explore that possibility,” Minister Henry said, during her welcoming remarks on Wednesday morning.
She said Guyana has been enjoying the successes of the initiative, which sprung from “fruitful and valuable partnerships” with local, regional and international partners.
The brainchild of the Ministry of Education, the “Smart Classroom” initiative was launched back in 2017, and has since been impacting public schools all across Guyana, including institutions in far-flung hinterland communities.
At the launch at the National Centre for Education and Resource Development (NCERD), Minister Henry said the initiative represented a high point for the ministry, as it is now embracing a 21st century teaching tool.
The minister said the initiative would yield improved satisfaction for teachers and better outcomes for students. She said the ministry stands by its vision, which is to modernise education, to eliminate illiteracy and strengthen tolerance. In so doing, the introduction of smart classrooms is one avenue being pursued.
“During my training, I certainly recognised that there were large gaps as it relates to our current curriculum and education delivery – not only in Guyana but in the entire [Caribbean] Region,” Minister Henry had said.
As policymakers in education, Minister Henry said governments must continue to establish a supportive policy framework to build partnerships and drive programmes necessary for the improvement of service in the delivery of education.
The Ministry of Education’s Smart Classroom programme is receiving support from the Organisation of American States (OAS). She encouraged the ministers to also build collaboration and network to foster best practices.
Meanwhile, Minister Henry said young people across the region should be given the support they need to allow them to be active participants in the acquisition of knowledge and life skills.