Committed to shaping future-ready education system – Edu. Minister says

Sonia Parag says her long-term legacy for Guyana as Minister of Education is to ensure that the nation has a highly educated, well-rounded population ready to thrive in any sector. Guyana’s education sector has seen strategic and rapid developments over the past five years and the new Minister of Education intends to build on that development.

“I would also like to see wholesome human being, not just academic base,” Minister Parag said during an interview with the News Room on Monday.

The focus, Minister Parag says is preparing students not only academically, but also for life.

This is already being implemented with the nationwide physical education, sports and recreation programme intended to promote wellness in schools.

“It is to get kids out there for two hours on Friday afternoons so they are not just doing academics, they are not just going on their phones, they are getting up and moving, being part of an activity that is going to move them however little to a closer healthier life,” the Education Minister explained.

Minister Parag pledged to give her full energy and effort to shaping an education system that develops children to meet the needs of the future. That pledge also incorporates working with teachers and parents.

“As your new education minister I am pledging to you that I will give my energies, my efforts 100 per cent towards ensuring that children, our children of this nation because they are the most important human resource that we have, develop to suit the needs of the future, develop so that they can be proud of themselves,” Minister Parag said.

She further assured parents that she will listen to their concerns and views.

“So while we have visions and ideas of our own for the education sector, we will also listen to the parents,” Parag stated.

Minister Parag reiterated the government will continue ‘easing the burden’ off parents to ensure children are in school and according to her, steps in this direction include initiatives such as the Because We Care grant.

The grant which is given to schoolchildren all across the country will increase to $100,000. Additionally, a new transportation grant of $100,000 will be offered annually.

That means each child will get $200,000 annually, a sum that could increase even further.