Govt mulling 2nd Deep South Rupununi Secondary School
DPI, Guyana, Thursday, November 28, 2019
There have been many calls by the residents of the Deep South Rupununi, Region to have another Secondary School constructed to serve the communities of Muraranau, Awaraunau, Shea and Parabara. Currently, there is a secondary in Aishalton (Deep South) and another in Sand Creek (South Central Rupununi).
During a recent ministerial outreach in the Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo Region, the residents of Muraranau raised the issue of overcrowding which is a result of the growing population; while some parents shared the act that they would prefer their children closer to home. It was further disclosed that following the submission of a proposal with justifications, to the Education Department, the regional administration explaining that it would not be feasible to construct a new Secondary School, but agreed to upgrade and expand the existing one at Aishalton.
During the meeting Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Hon. Sydney Allicock noted that the issue raised and commended the residents for being proactive on the matter. He, however, explained that the construction of a new school will be a matter that can be explored in the future.
“We have to take care of our students…. education is an important matter to us and we will find ways to meet your request. It is your right.”
Minister Allicock added that His Excellency President David Granger is committed to ensuring every child have access to education regardless of their location or background. It is for this reason he launched the Five-Bs initiative which has seen student’s benefiting from the provision of transportation- boats, buses and bicycles, breakfast and books free of cost.
The Minister further noted that Guyana is on the cusp of a huge transformation and the demand for more skilled personnel will increase. The government, he said is doing its part by providing the opportunities, especially for the Indigenous peoples who have been isolated for decades under the previous regime.
In Regine Nine alone, there are four Secondary Schools and a Primary and Nursery school accessible to every village. The government is currently constructing a $130 Million technical institute to complement the Bina Hill Institute of Learning in Annai. Further, hundreds of youths were trained over the last three years under the Hinterland Employment and Youth Service (HEYS) programme.