Parag hails educators as ‘nation builders’ as over 1,300 graduate from CPCE

Some 1,345 new teachers graduated from the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) on Friday after successfully completing training in different fields; it marks one of the largest graduating cohort in the country’s history.

Held under the theme, “Empowering Educators, Inspiring Futures: A Legacy of Excellence,” the ceremony which was kept at the Providence National Stadium, celebrated the resilience and dedication of a new generation of educators — those who endured the challenges of the pandemic and emerged ready to transform classrooms across the country.

Minister of Education Sonia Parag, delivering the keynote address, praised the graduates for their perseverance and reaffirmed government’s commitment to ensuring that a trained teacher staffs every classroom.

“After this graduation, the percentage of trained teachers in the hinterland will be close to 92 per cent,” Parag said to loud applause.

Parag reminded the new teachers that education is the foundation of national development.

“The country cannot transform without our human capital transforming with it. Being a teacher means being a lifelong learner, constantly seeking new ways to inspire and engage your students.”

This year’s graduating cohort include 388 in Early Childhood Education, 384 in Primary Education, 303 in Secondary (TVET, GTE, and TTE), and 35 in other specializations.

“I implore on you that as you step out of this college to take with you every ounce of training, experience and impart it in a manner in which delivery will not be momentous but impactful in the classroom,” Parag urged the new teachers.

CPCE also recorded an impressive 94.25 percent matriculation rate, a reflection of the institution’s strengthened training systems. Since 2020, more than 6,000 teachers have graduated from CPCE, while another 1,456 new students are currently enrolled across 20 satellite centers nationwide.

Delivering the charge to the graduates, Dr Kofi Dalrymple, Advisor to the Ministry of Education on Tertiary Reform, challenged the new educators to embrace their influence.

“Never underestimate the power you hold.

“In every classroom, under every tree, in every virtual lesson, you shape destinies. Education is not merely instruction It is transformation, the daily renewing of our minds,” Dr Dalrymple said.

He urged them to teach with compassion and courage. “Teach not what is written, but what is right. Go forth as teachers, as nation builders, as guardians of Guyana’s promise,” he said.

CPCE’s leadership, in its annual report, reaffirmed the college’s commitment to furnishing the nation’s schools with 100 percent trained teachers.