Minister Manickchand Commissions Campbelltown Primary

PRESS RELEASE | Campbelltown Primary School in Region 8 Commissioned by Honourable Education Minister, Priya Manickchand.

December 6, 2024 – In a historic milestone for hinterland education, the Minister of Education officially commissioned the Campbelltown Primary School on December 6. This modern facility currently accommodates 48 children in Grades One and Two, providing them with access to quality education right in their community. The school is staffed by four teachers, three of whom are trained, while the fourth is actively undergoing training at the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE).

For years, students in Campbelltown faced the daunting challenge of walking three miles to the nearest school. This daily trek posed significant challenges to their education, often resulting in fatigue, reduced attendance, and limited learning outcomes. The establishment of the Campbelltown Primary School now removes this barrier, bringing education closer to home and fostering a sense of community empowerment.

During the commissioning ceremony, the Minister of Education expressed the government’s unwavering commitment to serving the needs of its people and ensuring equitable access to education for all children, especially those in remote and underserved areas.

"This is what a government does; listen to what its people want, and then they find ways to serve along that line. And so, the first thing that I want to point out is that we heard you when you spoke. So much so, that we have built this building here for the Grades One and Two children. In next year's budget, we're going to do the extension for Grades Three to Six and so by next September you'll have that extension," the Minister stated.

The new school is part of a broader government strategy to improve hinterland education by addressing infrastructure deficits, increasing access to quality teaching, and promoting sustainable community development. The Minister emphasized the critical role of teacher training and small class sizes in enhancing educational outcomes.

"You are more likely to get solid work if we take the teachers, train them at the Cyril Potter College of Education, take them and teach them how to teach, because they're more likely to teach your children at a high standard. Your classroom sizes are very small, which means that each teacher has about twelve children. In other places, including on the coast, there are teachers with thirty and thirty-five children. What that means is the teachers here are supposed to be making each of those children perfect at their grade level," the Minister added.

Additionally, speaking at the ceremony was Regional Education officer for Region 8, Motilall Samaroo, who reflected on the daily commute the children had to endure, which will now vastly change for the better.

“This is a day that fills our hearts with pride. It is a day that symbolizes hope, progress and a future full of promise. For years, many of our children endured the hardship of walking three miles to the nearest primary school; a long journey that often took about forty-five minutes to an hour. They braved the scorching sun and pouring rain, driven by their determination to learn. Their efforts were supported by families who believed wholeheartedly in the power of education. Today, we celebrate a pivotal change. Today, that struggle ends, thanks to unwavering commitment of the Government of Guyana and the Ministry of Education, led by the Honourable Minister Priya Manickchand, we now have a school right here in our village,”.

Parents and community members have warmly welcomed the new school, celebrating it as a transformative step forward. Many expressed relief at the reduction in travel burden and excitement for the opportunities the school brings to their children. The school is expected to play a pivotal role in community development, fostering a stronger sense of unity and purpose among residents.

Plans are already underway for the expansion of the school. As announced by the Minister, next year’s budget will include funding to extend the facility to accommodate students in Grades Three to Six. The extension, expected to be completed by September 2025, will ensure that children in Campbelltown can complete their primary education without leaving their community.

The commissioning of the Campbelltown Primary School is part of the Ministry of Education’s larger strategic initiative to enhance educational infrastructure across the country. By prioritizing access to quality education for all children, the government aims to empower communities, reduce inequities, and build a brighter future for Guyana.

The Ministry of Education remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that every child, regardless of location, has the tools, resources, and opportunities needed to succeed in life.