The education sector in Guyana is set to receive a substantial boost with a budget allocation of $135.2 billion for the fiscal year, marking a significant $30 billion increase compared to the previous year.
This robust investment underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing the quality of education and ensuring accessibility for all citizens.
A substantial portion of the budget, amounting to $28.7 billion, has been earmarked for the development and construction of school facilities across the country.
Within this allocation, $16 billion is dedicated to the construction of new secondary schools in Aishalton, Christianburg, Jawalla, Kopinang, and Micobie.
Additionally, $3.1 billion is allocated for the construction of new primary school buildings in Augsbury, Kuribrong, Lake Mainstay, Pennack, and Red Creek, while $3 billion is set aside for new nursery schools in locations such as Foulis, Mibicuri, and Tuschen.
The continuation of key programs is highlighted in the budget, with the Because We Care cash grant and uniform grant benefiting 201,281 public and private school students in 2023, at a cost of $8.1 billion.
The distribution of these grants will persist in 2024, benefiting 205,305 children.
The national school feeding program, a critical initiative, will continue to provide nutritional support to approximately 120,000 students, contributing to their overall well-being and academic performance.
In the realm of textbooks, an allocation of $3 billion will facilitate the purchase of an additional 502,072 textbooks, ensuring that students across the country have access to essential learning materials.
The University of Guyana is set to receive $4.1 billion in the 2024 budget, enabling the introduction of new programs in areas such as food security, cyber security, engineering technologies, biopharma, marine studies, earth and climate sciences, and sports medicine.
This allocation reflects a commitment to advancing higher education and fostering expertise in critical fields.
The budget also outlines plans for significant training initiatives.
One thousand young people are slated to receive training in various aspects of information and communication technology (ICT), preparing them for outsourced high-value ICT-based nearshore jobs.
This two-year program is estimated to cost $735 million.
Moreover, in 2024, 7,890 individuals will undergo training in areas such as electrical installation, plumbing, furniture making, general building construction, and heavy-duty equipment operation through the government’s Technical and Vocational Training program, with an allocation of $500 million.
In 2023, the education sector expended $105 billion, indicating a continued commitment to investing in the future of Guyana through comprehensive and strategic education initiatives.