At a recently held gathering by the Guyana Youth Council, the new Minister of Education, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine vowed to transform the education system to a “rich and rewarding experience.”
According to a press release from the Ministry of Education, Roopnaraine told the gathering the transformation would start from “as early as nursery to ensure that the nourishment is provided so that all students can have a rich and rewarding experience.”
Roopnaraine, the release said, “acknowledged that the state of affairs at the University of Guyana is appalling.” More pointedly, the Minister is quoted as stating “UG is in a mess.”
“The Government will work to ensure that more money is allocated to the University.” Roopnaraine told those present.
As it related to the quality of the lecturers at the institution, the Minister said he does not want persons with first degrees lecturing, “I want to ensure we have people there with academic and professional experience.” It is desirable “for the University to have the best cadre of lecturers and teachers to deliver the best education possible to students,” and, “the institution has to compete internationally to attract the type of well trained and experienced persons needed to lift the quality of education at that level.” More important, Roopnaraine said, “we must settle for nothing less.”
Currently, the Minister said he is engaging local musicians in a discussion for the “inclusion of music in the classroom.” Ultimately, Roopnaraine said, “his ambition is that the education provided for Guyanese citizens is going to become the envy of the Caribbean.”
