Irfaan Ali promises to write-off all student loans in push for free education

With general and elections looming, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) continues to highlight its plans for various sectors of the economy.

While the party had previously promised that it will pursue the delivery of free education at the University of Guyana, Presidential Candidate of the party, Irfaan Ali in a statement said that his Government “will also peruse plans to have all outstanding loans written off and our Manifesto will detail policies to support these initiatives.”

He pointed to other plans to develop the education sector which are geared towards improved access to education, quality, affordability and increased preparation of students for better paying jobs in line with the requirement of the economy.

Ali said, if elected to office at the next General and Regional Elections, his Government will pursue enhanced access through the use of ICT (Information and Communications Technology).

In addition, the party promises to offer “generous tax concessions” to private education providers from Nursery to Tertiary levels including TEC/VOC.

To further address issues of affordability, quality and access, Ali said the PPP’s Manifesto will detail a number of measures including:
● The restoration of the “Because we care grant”
● Attention to nutrition through various initiatives e.g. hot meal program
● Providing required text books to school children
● Ensuring all school children have access to school uniforms
● Improving education facilities
● Special incentives to teachers and enhanced training and skill development opportunities
● Expanding use of ICT in education and ensuring all our children and teachers have access to the infrastructure that will enable the use of ICT
● Enhanced focus on technical education
● Establishment of online University
● Reforming and strengthening of the monitoring systems for school management at public and private levels

These among other measures would ensure the delivery of quality education to our nation.

Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo at a press conference on Thursday last, said the party’s manifesto will be unveiled this week.