Schools to resume learning on September 14 as promised – Min Manickchand

-print packages to be distributed next week

Minister of Education, Hon. Priya Manickchand, today, announced that students will be re-engaging in some schools from September 14, as promised, using a multifaceted approach, in the absence of face-to-face learning.

The Minister made this announcement at a virtual press conference.   She also provided an update on the preparedness for the various levels of education through print packages, radio, television and a range of online platforms.

Minister Manickchand also said the Ministry of Education has prepared one month’s work, in the form of worksheets, for most grades to distribute and will continue to distribute monthly as the term progresses.

Print packages are expected to be distributed during   the course of the new week with the assistance of teachers, who will be having consultations with the Ministry.

The Minister also disclosed that the Guyana Learning Channel Trust, which is continuing to develop content, will also be expanding its reach to previously unserved, far-flung areas including Benab, Orealla and Ituni, by next week. Moreover, private broadcasters will also be collaborating with the Ministry to further widen the channel’s reach.

Schools that have used Interactive Radio Instruction will continue to do so on the Voice of Guyana and on 102FM frequencies.

Below is a further breakdown of by education by level:

Nursery schools

The Ministry is currently sourcing print material, including books, story books, manipulatives and toys for students.  In the meantime, all students will be receiving worksheets and workbooks to remain engaged.

“Presently we have 27,000 Years One and Two students and we don’t have the quantities in Guyana, so some of these items have to be brought in from overseas,” Minister Manickchand said.

Nursery students will also be engaged through the Learning Channel, every morning, from 8am-10am.

Primary schools

Meanwhile, primary school students can look forward to programmes on the Learning Channel in the four core areas: English, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies. Additionally, scheduled programmes will be aired on the radio for students from Grades 2-6. Print material containing 1000 multiple choice questions in each subject area will be delivered to students from Grades 1-6.

Students in Grades 5-6 will receive notes for Science and Social studies and four core textbooks.

Secondary Schools and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET)

For the secondary students, the Ministry will be airing programmes on the Learning Channel and preparing worksheets for specific courses for Grades 7-9. Grades 10 and 11 students will receive worksheets in Physics, Chemistry and Biology.

Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) students have begun tuition and will continue to receive teaching through online platforms such as Zoom and Moodle. Students who do not have internet access, will be provided with print material as well as flash drives containing the relevant information.

Special Needs Schools

Minister Manickchand said all students from the 613 special needs schools have started engagements through the usage of electronic tablets preloaded with information, and print material. Parents of students who are deaf are also receiving sign language training from the Ministry.

Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE)

The Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) will be working online and through print packages and other methods where necessary.