Education Minister Sonia Parag has provided an update on the actions taken by her ministry regarding the mistreatment of a student of David Rose Special Education Needs School by two trained teachers employed at the institution.
She said that she visited the school where she met with affected parents, guardians, and the Head Teacher. The purpose of that visit was to listen directly to the concerns of families, offer reassurance that the matter would be treated with the utmost seriousness, and ensure that immediate support mechanisms were put in place for the student affected.
Since then, the Ministry of Education has also met with members of staff of the school, the executive of the Parent-Teacher Association, and the wider PTA body as part of efforts to gather information, strengthen communication, and ensure that all stakeholders are fully engaged in the process.
Parag noted that a comprehensive file containing the reports, statements, findings, and recommendations arising from the Ministry’s investigation has been compiled and sent to the Teaching Service Commission for its consideration and action.
She emphasized that while the Ministry of Education is responsible for the management and oversight of the education system, the authority to appoint, exercise disciplinary control over, and remove teachers employed in non-board schools rests with the Teaching Service Commission.
She further referenced Article 209(1) of the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, which provides that, subject to the Constitution, “the power to appoint persons as teachers in the public service, and to remove and exercise disciplinary control over persons holding or acting in such offices, shall vest in the Teaching Service Commission.” As such, the Commission is the constitutional body empowered to determine the disciplinary proceedings arising from this matter.
Parag added that the Teaching Service Commission has advised that the disciplinary hearing process should be concluded within the next ten days.
She noted that steps have also been taken to strengthen oversight and governance at the institution. A Board of Governors has now been established for the David Rose Special Education Needs School, with representation that includes parents, to enhance accountability, supervision, and engagement between the school and the families it serves. Her office is also working closely with the family to ensure that the affected student receives the support necessary for his well-being, recovery, and continued learning in a safe environment.
