The education infrastructure of Region Eight is set to receive a boost as ground was ceremonially broken yesterday for the construction of the $253 million Micobie Secondary School.
According to a Ministry of Education release, this project, awarded to NK Engineering Services through a competitive bidding process as outlined in the Public Procurement Act, represents a “substantial” investment in the region’s educational infrastructure, valued at $253,561,500, with an initial mobilisation amount of $76,068,450.
Construction is scheduled for completion within six months, and the school is expected to benefit approximately 150 students and community members, while fostering academic growth and enhancing access to quality education in Micobie.
The new school will have a staff room for teachers and 10 classrooms, including five specialised labs for science, information technology, home economics, visual arts, and library services. “This comprehensive infrastructure underscores the school’s commitment to providing a well-rounded educational experience, fostering both academic excellence and community development in the village,” the release noted.
During an engagement with local residents, Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, urged parents to be more involved in their children’s lives, reassuring that regardless of their academic background, their presence alone can aid in the development of their children’s education.
“You don’t have to have a PhD, you don’t have to have a big house; you have to have interest. I know of a parent who watches her child do his work from beginning to end. She doesn’t know or understand what he’s doing, but she watches him work. And so, we need your partnership, also. Many times, it’s not parents alone, it’s grandparents also, who I know are taking up that role as well.”
The minister also told the residents that while they are to hold the contractors accountable, they too must be reliable, as they will also be benefiting by means of employment through the school construction.
“We want him [the contractor] to give the work to you; we want you to benefit as far as you can, but we want the school. And he had to sign a contract that said how long he has to build the school and the quality he has to give us. So you also have to be reliable and show up when you have to, because this is employment for you.”
Local stakeholders are eagerly looking forward to the completion of the project as they view the new school as a catalyst for positive change and a testament to collective aspirations for educational excellence in Region Eight, the release added.
