Melodies in the ‘Mining Town’

– $4.2 M in steel pans for Mackenzie High and Kwakwani Sec.

DPI, Guyana, Monday, January 20, 2020

In its bid to enhance the music curriculum, the Ministry of Education on Monday presented two fully equipped steel bands to schools two schools in Region 10.

Mackenzie High, a school filled with artistic promise received over $2Million worth of steel pans to add to their band’s collection while Kwakwani Secondary received over $2.2 Million worth in steel pans.

Minister of Education Dr Nicolette Henry cuts the ribbon to official hand over the steel pans to Deputy Headteacher of Mackenzie High School.

Minister of Education Dr Nicolette Henry is assisted by a student to cut the ribbon before handing over the steel pans to the students and teachers of Kwakwani Secondary School.

The steel pans and drum set that were presented to Mackenzie High School.

Some of the steel pans that were handed over to Kwakwani Secondary School.

Members of the Mackenzie High School’s Steel Orchestra performing a rendition.

Education Minister Dr. Nicolette Henry reiterated the need for the fostering of the creative and expressive arts. “The Unit of Allied Arts continues to expand expressive arts to promote a well-rounded [students] in the 21st century,” she stated.

With the donation of these steel orchestras, the two schools now have a competitive edge for national competitions such as “Panorama” held in February as part of the Mashramani celebrations.

The Minister also assured that her ministry will continue to work to ensure educational activities encompass all aspects of development and are made available to students all across Guyana.  In this regard, the Ministry has already distributed 31 steel bands in the ten administrative regions; just last week two Region Six schools benefited from steel Pans.

The administrator of the Unit of Allied Arts, Lorraine Barker-King told the teachers and students of Kwakwani Secondary School, that the unit will “ensure music is on the front burner in Primary and Secondary Schools.” According to Barker-King, this initiative will expand the scope of music in schools.

The Education Minister also spent time with the Region 10 teachers where she pledged her support and stood in solidarity with them following a recent act of violence against a teacher at a city school.

Urging all present and the wider public to “show love [and respect] for teachers,” she said, “I stand in solidarity with you…The government cares about you and we will do All that is possible to ensure that school is a safe space for students and teachers.”