Students from two communities in regions one and seven are set to benefit from tutoring from a batch of 10 volunteer Canadian teachers.

The teachers and Minister Shaik Baksh (sixth from right) (GINA photo)

According to a Government Information agency (GINA) press release the volunteers, grouped into two teams of five will be teaching Mathematics, English, Science and Special Education in Moruka, Region One and Bartica, Region Seven. GINA said over the years Guyanese students have benefited from tutoring from Canadian teachers, particularly those in hinterland communities like regions, one, seven, eight and nine.

Minister of Education, Shaik Baksh said this programme is one of several that boost the delivery of education in hinterland regions. Also, the ministry recently received almost US$20M most of which will be expended in hinterland communities on the school feeding programme, on textbooks and incentives for teachers. Baksh expressed gratitude to the volunteers for dedicating their time and skill to enhancing the lives of Guyanese.

Gerald Logan, head of the Moruka team said he was excited to be able to contribute towards the development of Guyana. He also gave assurances that both teams are competent and capable of handling any challenges they may face. Meanwhile, Michelle Pierce, head of the Bartica team, said that this initiative shows the ministry’s commitment to helping students develop themselves.

According to GINA the Canadians have been providing assistance to Guyana on the Guyana Basic Education Teacher training programme which has been ongoing over five years. This programme has proven to be very successful and the ministry hopes that it can attain many scholarships through the Canadian International Development Agency from which teachers can benefit.

GINA said Region Six Regional Vice President Colin Bynoe and Guyana Teachers Union President Colwyn King attended the brief ceremony.