The United Nations International Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Guyana, yesterday donated 1,944 face shields to the Ministry of Education (MoE) to assist in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
The MoE in a release stated that the face shields were received by MoE’s Permanent Secretary (PS), Alfred King at a ceremony in the Ministry’s compound at 26 Brickdam, Georgetown. The donation is part of the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) project with which the Education Ministry is involved.
According to the release, the face shields are the first of an expressed plan for a total of 35,000 pieces including masks and other protective gear to be handed over to support measures to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
In his remarks, the PS described the donation as another effort to support continued learning in a safe and secure environment as the ministry works out plans for the eventual opening of schools. He reminded that it has been more than four months since the MoE has been operating in the COVID-19 environment and expressed his gratitude on behalf of the ministry for UNICEF’s support towards the safety of educators, students and other stakeholders.
King referred to the proactive safety measures employed by the Ministry, while noting that “We have to continue to be very careful to ensure a healthy and safe environment and these shields will assist greatly.” He also spoke of the “evidence of the resolve for continued engagement for (the) National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) and the ongoing CSEC and CAPE.” Speaking of the blended approach of all stakeholders that has taken effect, King commended educators for using their own resources to plan and prepare for the major examinations.
UNICEF Resident Representative Sylvie Fouet acknowledged the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the education sector which spurred her organisation to assist with the shields. She noted that the provision of the personal protective equipment is a critical element for the return to a safe and protected environment for students when schools eventually open.
Fouet also commended the work so far undertaken by the MoE and committed her organisation to working ‘side by side’ with the Education Ministry to make the opening of schools safe and a top priority.
Also in attendance at the handing over ceremony were the MoE’s Chief Planning Officer, Nicola Johnson; Director of NCERD, Jennifer Cumberbatch; Project Coordinator, Quenita Walrond-Lewis; Technical Officer to the PS, Karen Burchsmith; UNICEF Deputy Resident Representative, Irfan Aktar; and UNICEF’s Robbie Rambarran.
