The National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD) hosted a two-day symposium for stakeholders to lay the foundation for the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) “as a key driver in re-tooling the education system.”
According to a press release from the Government Information Agency (GINA), the symposium which commenced on November 3 at the Pegasus Hotel, Kingston, Georgetown, was held under the theme “Innovation explosion in education delivery,” with the aim of reflecting how to transform, diffuse and adopt ICT within the system towards delivering high quality education and learning opportunities.
Participants in the seminar included head teachers; heads of departments; regional education officers; NCERD’s Director, Jennifer Cumberbatch; Chief Education Officer, Olato Sam; and Minister in the Ministry of Education Nicolette Henry
“It is recognised that an investment needs to be made in the education of our future citizens,” Henry said, “an investment that reap a reward in future generations…armed with the tools of the 21st century, to be able to compete globally and thrive locally.”
Sam reminded the participants of the need for them to pave the way forward so as to move beyond the stage where the country is “constantly borrowing external models then bending them to suit the local realities.”
He added: “…the future of our children and grandchildren really depend on the work that we would do over the next few days, the foundation that we will lay. As such I urge you all to approach this with the significance that it has for this nation, and I ask you all to consider yourself champions who would return to your respective realms and champion the cause of ICT in Guyana”.
Further, Sam assured those in attendance, “whatever direction is taken by the participants that it will have the support of the ministry and the government” as there is very great interest from the highest level of the administration in moving forward the agenda of ICT in the education system.
