Department of Public Information, Guyana

Tag: Christmas Term

  • Excitement as school reopens

    Excitement as school reopens

    The atmosphere was filled with excitement on Monday as teachers and students alike eagerly stepped into their new classrooms, marking the grand reopening of schools and the thrilling start of a brand-new academic adventure

    The school corridors were filled with students chatting and embracing each other after the long summer break.

    Pupils from Stella Marris Nursery

    The Department of Public Information (DPI) visited several schools within Georgetown, where students and teachers shared their anticipations for the first week.

    Vasanna Persaud of Queen’s College said is pleased that the July – August break is finally over.

    “I’m very happy to be back and to see all my friends but I’m actually kind of nervous, starting a new form, especially the CSEC year,” Persaud stated.

    Over at North Ruimveldt Multilateral Secondary School, Tafariah Harris happily strolled into the school compound. She told DPI that she missed school badly and was anticipating the return date. 

    “It’s a nice experience at least for us to come back to school instead of being home all summer doing nothing…I’m happy to be back,” Harris said.

    Embarking on her new secondary school life at St Joseph High School, Sarah Singh pledged to improve in every area of her studies.

    “I feel a little bit excited and at the same time nervous. I’m looking to learn about computers and do more in English A and B. I’m very excited to meet new people but I also have three friends that are coming here with me,” an elated Singh explained.

    Sarah Singh prepared for her first day at St. Joseph High School

    DPI also caught up with the Headmistress of the North Ruimveldt Multilateral Secondary School, Rasulan Khan who also expressed eagerness as she saw happy faces boring through the school gate.  

    “I am very excited to return to school. We’re looking forward to once again improved performance, taking the school back to its glorious days,” said the headmistress.

    Students from St Joseph High School and North Georgetown Secondary making their way to school

    Meanwhile, Colleen DeJounge was quite emotional as she watched her daughter make her first step into the Tutorial High School.

    “I am happy and a bit nervous as well because this is her first time coming to the city area to attend school. She even got up early to come to school this morning. We prepared a long time for this,” the woman relayed.

    Additionally, Dwane Leacock told DPI that her two sons are well-equipped to start the new secondary school journey.  “The cash grant helped a great lot. I was able to get the majority of the stuff for them early,” Leacock stated.

    Dwane Leacock after dropping off one of her sons at school
  • Delayed reopening of some schools for the Christmas term 2023

    Delayed reopening of some schools for the Christmas term 2023

    In 2023, the Government of Guyana began its largest ever effort to improve education infrastructure by renovating, rehabilitating, repairing, building, and rebuilding more than 1100 schools across the country. We are happy that all schools, except those below, will reopen for the new school year as scheduled on the 4th September 2023.

    Unfortunately, contractors at the schools mentioned below were unable to complete their tasks. Seven (7) of the eight (8) schools mentioned below will open one (1) week later and arrangements will be made to cater for any instructional time lost. Stakeholders of the schools mentioned below will be advised by the school of their new opening date.

    The Ministry of Education wishes all teachers, students, and parents the very best for the new academic year.

    Education DistrictSchoolArrangement
    3Uitvlugt Secondary AnnexWill reopen on the 11th September 2023
    3Stewartville SecondaryWill reopen on the 11th September 2023
    4Vryheid’s Lust PrimaryWill reopen on the 11th September 2023
    10Maria Henrietta PrimaryWill reopen on the 11th September 2023
    GeorgetownTucville PrimaryWill reopen on the 11th September 2023.
    GeorgetownTucville SecondaryWill reopen on the 11th September 2023.
    GeorgetownAlexander Village NurseryWill reopen on the 2nd October 2023
    GeorgetownSt. Rose’s HighWill reopen on the 11th September 2023.
  • Minister Manickchand engages GTU on way forward for Christmas term

    Minister Manickchand engages GTU on way forward for Christmas term

    Press Release

    Ministry of Education – Tuesday, August 11, 2020

    Minister of Education, Hon. Priya Manickchand in discussion with the members of the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU).
    Minister of Education, Hon. Priya Manickchand in discussion with the members of the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU).
    Minister of Education, Hon. Priya Manickchand in discussion with the members of the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU).
    Minister of Education, Hon. Priya Manickchand in discussion with the members of the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU).
    Minister of Education, Hon. Priya Manickchand in discussion with the members of the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU).
    Minister of Education, Hon. Priya Manickchand in discussion with the members of the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU).

    As part of a holistic plan for the re-opening of schools, Minister of Education, Hon. Priya Manickchand invited the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) to a meeting to listen to the Union’s views about the impact of COVID 19 on the education sector and teachers in particular.

    Prior to that meeting, the Minister made it clear that be it virtual, on platforms like Zoom or Google Classroom, via the Learning Channel or a physical opening the most important issue to address presently is keeping teachers, children and their families safe as well as keeping children engaged academically.

    September is usually the beginning of a new academic year; however, GTU expressed the view that schools were unprepared at present to accommodate a physical re-opening that would allow for the safety of all involved.

    A final decision has not been made relative to the physical re-opening of schools. The Ministry continues to engage stakeholders on the issue and commits to making an announcement soonest.

    Present at the meeting were, the President of the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU), Mr. Mark Lyte, Chief Planning Officer (CPO), Ms. Nicola Johnson, Director NERD, Ms. Jennifer Cumberbatch, Human Resources Manager- MoE, Ms. Jacqueline Simon, Patrick Onwuzirike, Assistant Chief Education Officer (ACEO)- Technical, Ms. Samantha Williams ACEO- Nursery, Ms. Carol Benn, ACEO- Primary, June-Ann Gonsalves, ACEO-Secondary, GTU General Secretary, Coretta Mc Donald, First Vice President-GTU, Lesmeine Collins, and GTU Treasurer, Sumanta Alleyne.