Gov’t expanding education access as 18 new schools to open early this year

The Ministry of Education has announced that by the end of the first quarter of this year, 18 new schools across Guyana will become operational. The development underscores the government’s continued commitment to expanding access to quality education and improving learning environments for students nationwide.

In some instances, students have already begun occupying the new facilities ahead of formal commissioning.

The ministry in a statement reiterated its focus on fostering equitable access to education and creating safe, modern, and conducive environments that support academic success.

Of the schools slated for commissioning, 13 are located in hinterland communities, with eight situated in Region Nine alone.

In Region One, major progress is being made on two secondary schools. The $2.6 billion state-of-the-art Hosororo Secondary School is on track for completion by January 2026. Meanwhile, construction of the $2 billion Kwebana Secondary School is nearing completion. Once operational, the facility is expected to benefit approximately 700 students.

Several nursery schools are also advancing steadily. Blooming Minds Nursery in Region Three and Mibicuri Nursery in Region Six are among those nearing completion.

In Region Six, Chesney Nursery is also part of the commissioning programme, further strengthening early childhood education in the area.

In Region Seven, the Issano Secondary School has been completed and officially marked a historic achievement as the first secondary school built in the Middle Mazaruni District. The school was completed in November 2025.

In Region Eight, work continues on the $253.5 million Micobie Secondary School.

Region Nine will benefit from several new and upgraded institutions. The $215 million Nappi Secondary School, officially named the George Tancredo Nappi Secondary School, will serve students from Hiawa, Nappi, and Parishara, eliminating the need for long-distance travel to St. Ignatius Secondary. The school officially opened its doors to students and teachers on January 5, marking a significant milestone for education in the region.

Additional schools in Region Nine include Cracrana Primary, Churikidnau Primary, Simonie Nursery, Fly Hill Nursery, Maruranau Secondary, and Shulinab Secondary.

At Shulinab, a $350 million investment is set to transform educational access for the hinterland village in the South Central Rupununi.

To further address overcrowding, a new $182 million secondary-level facility is also being constructed at Tabatinga in Region Nine, providing a more comfortable and supportive learning environment for students.

Beyond that, commissioning will also take place in Region Ten with the Rockstone Nursery School, while in Region Four, an extension to the Sophia Primary School will enhance capacity and improve infrastructure.