St. Ignatius youth urged to grasp available educational resources
─ “We believe in empowering our people” – Min. Ally
DPI, Guyana, Saturday, February 16, 2019
As the Government of Guyana continues its commitment to improving the lives of the nation’s youth, Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally urged the youth of the St. Ignatius Village, Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo, Region 9 to grasp the opportunities available to them.
The minister called on the young people present to take advantage of programmes that now serve their communities. This call to action was as a result of the removal of the $10,000 school voucher, an initiative of the previous administration. Minister Ally emphasised the more tangible benefits now available to the students after its removal.
The introduction of free school transportation services, such as, motor engine ‘speed’ boats, bicycles and school buses that ply the route between home and school for thousands of students in the Rupununi. These services, she added, were just a few of the government’s innovations to ensure more students stay in school as compared to a small cash grant given once every academic year.
Thousands of students in the Rupununi now have access to free transportation, free internet service, and free hot meals, which are all integral aspects of receiving a quality education in the Hinterland Region.
“We have taken away that cash grant and [are instead providing] services. We believe in empowering our young people, give them the opportunities they need in order for them to strive,” Ally explained.
The minister also called for students to use these programmes to stay in school and matriculate in order to eventually collaboratively improve the quality of life for their villagers.
The visit to St. Ignatius served as a part of a larger three-day Ministerial Outreach to better understand and respond to the needs of people living in the Rupununi Region and comprises a team of 19 Government Ministers visiting at least 28 communities across the region.
St. Ignatius, Lethem, Moco Moco, Parishara, Nappie, Quarrie, Kaicumbay, Yupukari, Kwatamang, Rupertee, Annai, Aranaputa, Surama, Wowetta, Massara, Toka, Rewa, Parikawanau, Katoonarib, Sarariwau, Aishalton, Auchiwib, Maururanau, Kraudar, Karasabai, Tiger Pond, Shulinab, Sand Creek and Hiowa, are among the villages that are being visited by the ministers of government and their teams this weekend.
Nateshia Isaacs
Images: Karime Peters