Region Eight CSEC passes improving – heavy Govt investment in education paying big dividends

DPI, GUYANA, Friday, April 27, 2018

An eight percent increase in passes at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate examinations at the Paramakatoi and Mahdia Secondary Schools represents just one of the positive strides in the Region Eight education sector.

This was related to the Department of Public Information by the Regional Education Officer (REDO) Rabindra Singh.

The increase represents a significant achievement for the region.

“In 2016 we saw an overall improvement in CSEC by 8 percent. In previous years 29/30 percent of our students passed, but in 2016 we moved to 38 percent between the two secondary schools. We have been able to maintain or improve results at CSEC,” Singh outlined.

Another major accomplishment for the region’s education sector is that 14 teachers are undergoing training at the Cyril Potter College of Education and 15 are at the University of Guyana enhancing their skills and knowledge.

This training along with the Teacher Upgrading Programme which was recently launched in Paramakatoi will boost the region’s capacity with more suitably qualified teachers.

“We already have the Teacher Upgrading Programmes in Mahdia already with nine teachers in that programme. When I came here the region had just two, now we have a trained Mathematics teacher who returned to Paramakoi and Mahdia.  So, when the other teachers complete their training we’ll have adequately trained teachers,” the REDO related.

The region also now has two education officers who support the sector through routine supervision and visitation of schools to ensure they are functioning at an optimum level.

The REDO proudly noted that being awarded the most improved region at the National Grade Six Assessment in 2017 was their most significant accomplishment.

“By 2013, sixteen percent of our students got 400 marks and more, but last year we were at 24 percent. This is a great accomplishment we are proud of our students and teachers because without them it wouldn’t be possible. In order to recognise our students, we executed an award ceremony in Paramakatoi for our teachers.”

A total of $1.8B was approved in the 2018 budget for Potaro/Siparuni for the delivery of governmental services in 2018. From that amount, a colossal $981.8M will go towards improving education delivery.

 

By: Ranetta La Fleur