The University of Guyana in partnership with the Nova SouthEastern University of Florida, USA has introduced a one-off Masters of Education programme, which will be effected through interactive classes at the local campuses and online.
The programme, which has some 35 graduate students registered, was launched yesterday morning at the Education Lecture Theatre, University of Guyana, Turkeyen.
Minister of Education Shaik Baksh during his remarks pointed out that the programme is being offered since the Government of Guyana recognises the need to build capacity and for training to be offered at a higher level to enable the education sector to move forward.
According to the minister, government remains strongly committed to the development of the education sector and is ensuring that more funds are made available to develop human resources.
The programme will cost the government $1.5 million per student and Baksh pointed out that government expects value for money, urging that the students not drop out.
He expressed the recognition that more resources need to be made available to the university for it to move forward.
But he said that without partnerships, the institution cannot on its own offer post-graduate studies since academic supervision is important at this level.
The programme will run for 18 months and some 35 students, all graduates, have been registered. Based on the outcome of the programme, the university will decide whether it can be continued. He said that part of the coursework involves education policy development and analysis, which are relevant.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Guyana Dr Tota Mangar said the students will be majoring in education management, supervision and planning. He said the programme has become a reality after two years of discussions and negotiations and is designed to meet the specific needs of Guyana.
One of the candidates for the Master’s programme, Selwyn Browne, told this newspaper that he hopes to do his best in the programme.
Browne, a Senior Master at the East Ruimveldt Secondary School, said the programme had a lot to offer and he was happy to be a part of it. “I hope to be well equipped to generate change in the education system if I am given the tools to do so [through the Master’s degree],” Browne said.
