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-With focus on Mathematics
-by Kimberly Giddings
The Ministry of Education is ramping up efforts to transform Guyana’s education system, with a strong focus on improving Mathematics performance, expanding support for children with special needs, and preparing students for a digital future.
This is according to Chief Planning Officer at the Ministry of Education, Mishka White-Griffith, during an interview on Starting Point.
White-Griffith says the ministry’s $183.6 billion budget will prioritise improving what happens inside the classroom, alongside continued infrastructure development.
She noted that while access to education remains important, greater emphasis is now being placed on quality delivery and student outcomes.
A key area of concern is mathematics, where the ministry has rolled out nationwide interventions, including targeted math camps and expanded digital learning support.
“Mathematics and the challenges of mathematics unfortunately is a worldwide problem. But that doesn’t mean that we will sit and say, oh, this is happening in every country, it’s happening at CARICOM. So within the regions, we have persons who go in who are experts in maths and they monitor. They give assistance to teachers as well as students. But we wanted to add to that with the maths camps for the CXC students so that they can have that one on one with a teacher. And in a smaller setting, they may be more confident to say, Miss, I don’t get the question too,” she explained.
White-Griffith explained that the math camps provide students with focused, topic-based support, allowing them to build confidence and better understand problem areas ahead of key examinations.
She added that the initiative complements ongoing efforts at the regional level, where subject specialists support both teachers and students.
“With the math camps, we are focusing on topics per session. On our web, on our Facebook page, we have the schedule. So you do not have to attend every session if you do not need work on every topic.You come in for the sessions that you need the most support. And that’s what the students like. It’s more focused. As opposed to going to a math lessons where you’re going to work everything,” she added.
According to the Chief Planning Officer, students have responded positively to the initiative, particularly appreciating the targeted approach, which allows them to attend sessions based on their individual needs.
The ministry is also addressing the issue at the foundational level by reshaping how mathematics is taught, especially in nursery schools, where concepts are now being introduced through play-based learning.
