The extension of the Paramakatoi Secondary School and the building of one at Kato are to be considered, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Kellawan Lall told residents of Paramakatoi recently.

The minister and a team visited the Region Eight (Potaro/Siparuni) last week and heard concerns from the principal and teachers of the Paramakatoi Secondary School.

According to a release from the Government Information Agency (GINA), Headmistress Iola John said the facility is in need of further extension since it now has more students; present enrolment is 428. Lall responded that expansion would have to be considered since the school has undergone several expansions over the years and this would be discussed with the Minister of Education.

Teachers also discussed the issue of building a secondary school at the neighbouring village of Kato, the release said, to assist those students who travel from far-off villages.

The minister told the residents that this idea would also be explored as part of the administration’s drive to ensure that every child has access to secondary education. He also congratulated the teachers of the school for doing a good job, as the institution is regarded as one of the best secondary schools in that region, producing good Caribbean Secondary Examination Certificate results.

The minister explained that through a collaborative effort between his ministry and the Ministry of Education, each school in the region will be provided with grants to assist in undertaking small capital works, as he noted that the government is moving towards establishing a community based education system, GINA noted.

The minister also promised to make available teaching aids and two batteries for the provision of electricity at the Paramakatoi Nursery School.

The release also noted that of the $20.4 billion allocated to the education sector in this year’s budget, $276.4 million has been set aside for the delivery of education in Region Eight. Extension work is expected to be carried out on the Waipa and Mahdia nursery schools and teachers’ quarters are to be constructed at Murawa and Sand Hills.

Lall was accompanied by Permanent Secretary within the Local Government Ministry Sewchan, Regional Chairman Senor Bell, and Albert Atkinson, PPP Member of Parliament.