As schools across Guyana reopen today for the new academic year, the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party has raised concerns over the conditions of at least three schools in Region One, pointing to shortages of furniture, leaking classrooms and the absence of suitable classroom space for students.
The concerns were raised through posts on Team Mohamed’s Facebook page, with the party calling on Education Minister Sonia Parag and the Ministry of Education to urgently address the reported deficiencies.
At North West Secondary School, WIN said students were returning to classrooms without basic furniture, while leaks in the school were creating additional concerns for both students and teachers.
The party said the situation had become so bad that one parent took his son back home rather than leave him at the school under the reported conditions.
“The school is also experiencing leaks, adding another concern for students and teachers who are expected to work and learn in a safe and suitable environment.”
WIN said the demands being made of the authorities are reasonable. “Asking for decent classrooms is not asking for much.”
The party called on Minister Parag to act quickly to ensure that North West Secondary School receives the furniture and repairs it requires. “Minister Parag must act quickly to ensure that North West Secondary School has the furniture and repairs required for students to learn with dignity and teachers to perform their duties effectively.”
At Santa Rosa Primary School, WIN said two Grade Three classes are also beginning the new academic year without essential classroom furniture.
According to the party, Grade 3E and Grade 3F each have 22 students, but the classrooms lack cupboards, book racks, a teacher’s chair and desks or tables for students.
“There are no cupboards, no book racks, no teacher’s chair, and no desks or tables for the students.”
WIN said the lack of furniture should not be allowed to continue as another school term begins.
“Our children should not have to begin another school term without furniture. Education cannot be treated as a priority only in speeches. The classrooms where our children spend their days must be properly equipped.”
The party called on the minister and relevant education authorities to urgently provide the furniture needed at Santa Rosa Primary School.
WIN also highlighted the situation at Port Kaituma Secondary School, where it said approximately 200 students heading into Grade Seven are currently without a classroom and the furniture needed for learning.
The party said the students are being told that, until work is completed on a new building and furniture becomes available, they will be temporarily accommodated at the recreational ground at the Fitzburg ball field.
WIN pointed to the $183.6 billion allocated to the Ministry of Education this year while questioning the conditions under which the students are expected to begin the new academic year.
“This is not an acceptable learning environment for our children. These children deserve better.”
The party said students should not be required to use an open recreational space as a substitute for a classroom.
“Students should not have to sit in an open recreational space because there are no classrooms ready for them. They should not have to begin secondary school without desks, chairs, and a proper space to learn.”
WIN is calling on Minister Parag and the Ministry of Education to urgently address the situation at Port Kaituma Secondary School and provide the affected students with an appropriate learning environment.
“Minister Parag and the Ministry of Education must urgently address this situation and provide these students with a safe, suitable, and properly furnished learning environment.”
