Region One students get Education Ministry print packages

-Min. Croal distributes at Mabaruma, Yarakita, other areas

Minister of Housing and Water, Hon. Collin Croal, who also holds Parliamentary responsibility for Barima-Waini (Region One) distributed the first volumes of the Ministry of Education’s printed learning material for school children at the Mabaruma Primary School on Monday.

Similar exercises were conducted at Yarakita and Kamwatta. 

The Education Ministry had taken a decision to print and distribute learning material to students in far-flung areas, who may not have internet access, as part of a comprehensive programme to minimise learning losses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This [distribution] is important because our children for the most part of this year have not been able to access the type of education delivery required. Many of them are home and their minds have been deactivated from the classroom. So, we want to start that process of re-engaging their minds, their ability to start looking at things objectively and to start thinking,” Minister Croal said.

The Minister said the logistics at the governmental level are being sorted to enhance or bring sustained internet access to affected areas.

Meanwhile, Headmaster of Mabaruma Primary, Mr. Deon Charles said teaches have been providing the students with worksheets and booklets since the school closed on March 13. Nevertheless, he welcomed the new learning material.

After the distribution to the schools, the process moves along with teachers distributing the packages to parents and guardians.  Students will be given an allotted time to complete the worksheets before they are returned to the schools for teachers to mark and return. Education Minister, Hon. Priya Manickchand visited Region One on Saturday last to meet teachers and address their challenges.  

Print packages were also distributed in Moruca and other areas, during the Minister’s visit.