In response to the poor results from the National Assessment tests, the Ministry of Edu-cation has launched a $115 million Fast Track Initiative Literacy Programme.
The programme, which has been in the pipeline for some time now, was launched at the National Centre for Education Research Development (NCERD) on Tuesday.
According to a Govern-ment Information Agency (GINA) press release, a team comprising persons from the University of Guyana, the Cyril Potter College of Education, NGOs and parents, created the programme and the $115 would be used to fund the programme for the first year.
The target group includes students who obtained less than 50% on the National Grade Six Assessment, early school leavers and parents who need training. Training for students who are still attending school will be undertaken at their respective schools while sessions for the youths will be hosted at church halls and community centres.
NCERD Director Mohandat Goolsarran said the programme was created because students’ results at National Assessment examinations were lower than expected. A task force was established and a team selected to create a curriculum and a method of delivery for the programme. Goolsarran said a test will be used to evaluate the persons enrolled and regular assessments will be administered to determine progress.
Minister with the ministry Dr Desrey Fox noted the importance of literacy and numeracy to the survival of every person in this age of science and technology.
Meanwhile, Chief Education Officer Genevieve White-Nedd said the programme aims to reduce extreme poverty by providing education for all. She encouraged the literacy educators to be inspired and to inspire their charges.
