Math Campaign Day Three: Minister Continues School Outreach

PRESS RELEASE | National Mathematics Intervention Awareness Campaign Enters Day Three: Minister of Education Continues Outreach to Schools Across Guyana

November 12, 2024 — The Ministry of Education's National Mathematics Intervention Awareness Campaign has reached its third day, with the Honourable Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, and her team making determined progress in their mission to improve mathematics performance nationwide.

So far, the Minister has met with the parents, teachers and students of Charity Secondary School, Cotton Field Secondary School, Aurora Secondary School, Abram Zuil Secondary School, and Johanna Cecilia Secondary on the Essequibo Coast in Region 2, along with Covent Garden Secondary, Annandale Secondary, Bladen Hall Multilateral School, and Hope Secondary, some of the 50 schools across Guyana identified for targeted support due to historically low pass rates in mathematics.

This campaign, launched in response to declining mathematics results, underscores the Ministry’s commitment to addressing the serious math challenges facing students, particularly in Grades 10 and 11. With only a small percentage of students achieving passing grades in the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) exams in recent years, the initiative is not merely an awareness campaign but a full-scale, multi-level intervention aimed at building a strong foundation in math for every student.

To support students and teachers, the Ministry has introduced a mathematics support hotline, 736-MATH, allowing individuals to report challenges related to math instruction and seek assistance. Additionally, the Ministry's Quiz Me application has been launched, which provides students with practice on multiple-choice, exam-style questions to help them build confidence and readiness for their exams. These resources are part of an intensive effort to make math practice and assistance easily accessible.

A dedicated team of 50 math monitors has been assembled to work directly with the identified schools. This team includes retired math teachers, math degree holders, and university lecturers with extensive experience. These math monitors are embedded within classrooms to ensure effective instruction and guide both students and teachers in improving teaching methodologies. The monitors play an essential role in identifying gaps in math comprehension and supporting the consistent use of effective teaching practices, especially in schools with historically low pass rates.

The Honourable Minister, along with her team, plans to visit all 50 targeted schools throughout November, aiming to personally encourage the full engagement of parents, teachers, and students with the resources provided. Minister Manickchand has consistently emphasized the role of parents in supporting their children’s efforts, urging them to encourage a disciplined approach to study and practice. She has highlighted that while access to resources such as geometry sets, scientific calculators, past paper textbooks, and online math content is now available, it is up to the students to utilize these tools wisely, manage their time effectively, and commit to achieving their full potential in mathematics.

The Minister addressed the reality of declining math passes across the Caribbean, noting that the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) has developed a plan for change starting in 2026. However, she emphasized that Guyana cannot afford to wait, stating that the success of the nation’s children is within reach, and the Ministry is acting now, as it is aware of the abilities of Guyana’s students, and with the right support and discipline, their goals being achieved isn’t overlooked or impossible.

As a key feature of this campaign, interactive math content has been developed and is led by Sir Leon Beaton, the Education Officer and Coordinator for the Math Intervention. Sir Beaton’s popular “Beatin’ Da Maths” program airs weekly, every Wednesday at 7PM, engaging students through problem-solving challenges and math quizzes in a dynamic format. This series offers a hands-on approach to math, promoting a practical understanding that makes math more relatable for students.

In addition, Sir Beaton oversees the creation of topic-based math videos that align with the syllabus and curriculum. These videos, aired on the Ministry’s Facebook page every Tuesday at 7PM and Sunday at 5PM, are also available on the Guyana Learning Channel’s Facebook and YouTube pages. Designed to enhance understanding, these videos provide students with guided explanations and problem-solving strategies, bridging the gap between theoretical concepts and practical application.

The National Mathematics Intervention Awareness Campaign is more than just another initiative; but a call to action that involves every stakeholder in the education system—students, parents, and teachers alike. Honourable Minister Manickchand has consistently stressed the importance of teacher involvement, encouraging them to be punctual, prepared, and fully committed to their roles in this national effort, in addition to the presence of parents and discipline and time management of students.

As the campaign continues to gather momentum, the Ministry of Education is optimistic that this comprehensive approach will yield positive results in the upcoming CSEC Math exams in 2025. The provision of resources, on-the-ground support, interactive programming, and family engagement has created an environment where students have the tools to excel. By tackling this issue at every level, the Ministry is ensuring that students are not just prepared for exams, but equipped for future success.