After consulting with stakeholders, Minister of Education Priya Manickchand yesterday announced that schools will not be reopened on September 7th for the Christmas term as a result of the continuing COVID-19 pandemic.
In a video broadcast, Manickchand informed the nation that academic engagement would be carried out in the way it has been since March—virtually, or in some cases, via textbook learning. This approach, she said, will hopefully begin by the second week of September as options for varied means of teaching could be in place but she added that a number of factors had to be looked at. She said that the decision has been taken after consultations with stakeholders.
The Minister said that when she was appointed Education Minister position last week, she promised that science, statistics, and the best nationally recognised practices would guide decisions regarding continued learning for students. She added that along with these factors, plus the backing of the president and other stakeholders involved in the development of the education system in Guyana, the ministry is working toward developing a practical plan that would benefit all in the safe delivery of the curriculum for the Christmas term and onwards.