Focus to be placed on reducing disparity in education- Min. Henry

As the new school year begins, Education Minister, Nicolette Henry says focus will be placed on improving the quality of education, reducing the disparity in the sector, embracing the use of technology and providing transportation for students.

Henry, havewho was recently appointed Education Minister following the relocation of Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine to the Ministry of Public Service, was at the time addressing the launch of this year’s education month at Umana Yana on Monday.

Henry expressed appreciation to her predecessor, Dr. Rupert Roppnarine for his distinguished service to the development of the education sector.Henry said she is grateful to have had Dr. Roopnarine’s counsel and guidance over the last two years and takes up her new post with optimism as Dr. Roopnarine is a tough act to follow.

She noted that efforts will be made to ensure that all schools are working to the same high standard. Work will be done on “Improving the quality of our education with continued revised testing methods and embracing the enhancement of technology in the class room…we are going to ensure that every chhas access to quality education…providing transportation to get children to school,” Henry outlined.

Minister Henry said too, that as part of the reforming of the Education Sector, a Department of Education System Innovation and Reform will be created within the Ministry.

This year’s Education Month was launched under the theme “Promoting Wellness in Communities through Quality Education.”

In tandem with the theme, Chief Education Officer, Marcel Hutson explained that is important to create enabling an environment or community for persons to learn to make better choices which will benefit them in future.

Speaking to some of the things which the Ministry has done to move in this direction, Hutson said, “We have started to align our teaching with our curriculum and the resources our teachers need so that we could attain the best possible outcomes. We’ve provided classroom materials and supplies to schools including laptops, tablets and the like, we’ve begun to review the curriculum with a view of ensuring alignment with national and community needs.”

Education month activities will culminate on October 5, 2017, but will see the hosting of a grand rally at Durban Park on September 15^th to commemorate National Education Day as was designated by President David Granger.