Improved seating promised for Region Two students

Region Two Chairperson Vilma De Silva speaking at the Region’s RDC meeting
Region Two Chairperson Vilma De Silva speaking at the Region’s RDC meeting

Region Two Chairperson Vilma De Silva has informed members of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) that the region was warranted $40,402,170 to improve education delivery in the region via the procurement of furniture.

Speaking to her fellow councillors at the last statutory meeting, the Regional Chairperson said that education is a priority and it is the responsibility of the Ministry of Education through the Region’s Department of Education to ensure that children are comfortable. De Silva said that teachers had requested more chairs and tables, especially in light of measures to address the spread of COVID-19.

With public health guidelines initially requiring social distancing, most of the schools had insufficient furniture to adapt. The money that was warranted to the region will be used to purchase combination chairs as well as tables and chairs for teachers, and desks and benches. The furniture will be provided to nursery, primary and secondary schools in the region.

“We want to make the learners comfortable. We want them to be able to go to school and be focused,” De Silva said.

De Silva added that she recently visited several schools and interacted with teachers and pupils. She said more requests were made and she will be ensuring that the Regional Administration looks at those requests.

Government RDC Councillor Arnold Adams said that he is happy that more furniture will be purchased and children will be more comfortable in the classrooms. He said that over the years Region Two’s children have been excelling at different examinations, which he called testimony to the investments that are being made.