National Education Leadership Academy launched

The National Education Leadership Academy, an initiative that will strengthen teacher’s abilities to guide and mentor students, was launched on Monday.

This initiative is made possible through a strategic partnership with the UNESCO providing technical support, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and a US$5 million grant from the Global Partnership for Education.

With concerns raised by persons about bullyism in schools, this initiative provides ample training for teachers to handle these situations confidently.

During the launch at the Pegasus Hotel, Education Minister, Sonia Parag said the Academy sets the foundation for the Ministry’s strategic plan of providing opportunities for equitable education and lifelong learning.

“We gather at a defining moment in Guyana’s development, our nation is changing rapidly and with that change comes both opportunity and responsibility.

“Leadership is the bridge between our national aspirations and reality of teaching and learning, it is that bridge that the National Education Leadership Academy is designed to strengthen,” the minister said.

This Academy already has 100 trainees making up the first cohort of teachers in various positions to be trained with the exemplary leadership skills needed within the school system.

These persons will undergo several training sessions over an 18-month period. It hosts sessions through online and in-person sessions to promote community level practice.

Importantly, Minister Parag said the teachers will be able to access opportunities that lead to the empowerment of students through this Academy.

“We know that disparities exist between regions between genders and among learners with special education needs and disabilities, we know that too many children face barriers that limit opportunities,” the minister said.

The IDB Country representative, Lorena Solorzano- Salazar said the teachers can incorporate their knowledge and skills into this Academy to elevate the outcome of this initiative.

“Together we can build leadership eco-systems and ensure that every child in every region has the opportunity to learn, to grow and to succeed,” Solorzano-Salazar said.

The teachers who benefit from this Academy will receive a certificate and the skills needed to properly lead not only in the classroom but in their life endeavors as well.