By Saskia Warrick | November 8, 2024
The Ministry of Education has officially broken ground for the construction of a new secondary school in Nismes, Region Three, aimed at addressing the region’s growing student population.
The new $1.3 billion institution will accommodate up to 800 students and is expected to be completed within the next eight months.
The project comes in response to the significant shortage of educational facilities in the region, which has been exacerbated by a lack of adequate space to accommodate students.
Since 2020, the region has faced a shortage of 1,500 seats, forcing the Ministry of Education to place students in temporary locations, including community centers and vacant buildings, with some students attending classes on rotation.
Recognizing the urgent need for expansion, the new Grade A secondary school will help bridge the gap toward achieving Universal Secondary Education.
It will provide a much-needed, modern educational environment, offering students the resources and facilities necessary for their academic success.
Education Minister Priya Manickchand highlighted that the construction has been divided into five separate lots to ensure the project stays on track for timely completion.
A consultant will oversee the construction process to ensure quality and adherence to the project timeline.
The Ministry of Education has been allocated a budget of 74.4 billion dollars this year for the construction, rehabilitation, and maintenance of educational facilities across the country, with this project being one of the key initiatives aimed at improving the educational landscape in Guyana.