Education Minister Shaik Baksh and Minister within the Ministry of Health Dr Bheri Ramsaran met the with the North Ruimveldt Secondary school Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) to discuss ways of boosting programmes at the school that would benefit the wider community.
According to a press release from the Government Information Agency (GINA), Baksh told the meeting that the number of students writing the CSEC examinations has been consistent; an indication that more students are completing the secondary cycle. As such the ministers, PTA and other managers attached to the education ministry hosted the meeting to find ways to enhance education at the school.
Together, the ministers presented a number of books and five laptops to the school in order to meet a commitment Ramsaran made to the school about two months ago. The ministry will provide five additional desktop computers to the school by the start of the new school year, thereby allowing all the students to sit Information Technology at CSEC.
In his address, Baksh noted that in 2010 the largest number of students sat the CSEC examinations, however, “that number has been superseded by that of 2011—an indication of the number of youths who are accessing and completing secondary education.” Despite this, the minister said the Mathematics scores need to be improved. He also noted that since the school has a large number of trained and graduate teachers, he expects the results will surpass that of last year’s.
Baksh also reiterated that the modernisation of the education system depends on the quality of teachers. Currently 2,000 students are enrolled at the Cyril Potter College of Education and the ministry aims to have a quota of 70% trained teachers and 50% graduate teachers.
Baksh posited that the combination of qualified teachers, good school management and a vibrant PTA working together with the interest of the school in mind will reap successes and can change schools into A-Grade institutions.
The meeting also recognised North Ruimveldt’s PTA for its efforts to boost security at the school. To further augment this, the ministry committed to rehabilitating the school’s fence.
Baksh also disclosed that a policy document, titled ‘Protocol for Safe and Secure Schools,’ will soon be launched. It outlines guidelines that address cases of unacceptable behaviour, including the existence of gangs. He also noted that the document will state that ‘passes’ must be issued to students, as is being done at North Ruimveldt, that restrict their movements in and out of the classroom and school compound.
In addition, Ramsaran pointed out that the school boasts a dental unit that serves teachers, students and persons from the wider community.
He added that the connection between the school and community is critical to the provision of health care and the unit is being upgraded with assistance from the Education Ministry.
The renovations will include the installation of fans and air conditioning units and the redesigning of an area to be used as an infirmary.
Ramsaran told parents that the ministry hosts various training programmes that can highlight possible careers for their children. In this regard, he called for the promotion of career guidance for students and urged the PTA to utilise the available space at the East La Penitence health centre for community development programmes. In addition, a centre made available by the Board of Industrial Training within the community can be used to provide skills training.
GINA said parents also voiced concerns about the lack of a proper sport facility, scholarships and drainage.
In response to the query about scholarships for tertiary education, Baksh told the meeting that the ministry is offering scholarships in the sciences and Mathematics fields. He also said students desirous of attending the University of Guyana can access student loans.
Regarding the school’s play field, the minister said he had received proposals from several business entities to develop the field but the offers were declined as they entailed restricted use of the field by the school.
He also said that when the field is developed, the school would control its use.
According to GINA, this meeting is one of several the ministry has facilitated with the PTA. The meetings aim to boost the education system by taking into consideration the concerns of parents. Similar meetings were held at the Philadelphia primary and Leonora secondary schools in Region Three and at Tutorial High in Region Four.
