Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand yesterday commissioned the new Practical Instruction Department (PID) at the North West Secondary School in Mabaruma.
A release from the ministry said that the centre targets 400 students and aims to enhance vocational training opportunities for students in the region, after it was destroyed by fire in 2021.
The North West PID is tailored specifically for students from schools who aspire to pursue careers in technical and vocational fields.
The facility will provide specialized training programmes and resources designed to equip students with practical skills and certification necessary for various trades and professions.
In her remarks at the commissioning ceremony, Manickchand emphasized the transformative impact of the new centre.
“Today is a very good day for us, it’s a very special day in the Ministry of Education and the Government of Guyana and that’s because we’re able to bring to fruition something we’ve dreamt of. That is, giving more opportunities to the children of Region One”, she said.
The Minister elaborated on the current developments in education correlating with this year’s Education Month theme.
Chief Education Officer, Saddam Hussain, explained to the present technical students what the PID commissioning meant for their educational future.
Dr. Ritesh Tularam, Deputy Chief Education Officer with responsibility for TVET, also addressed the gathering, highlighting the centre’s role in shaping the future workforce.
He noted that citizens and students of Region One will be having access to a modern facility.
“There are five occupational areas our students can now enroll in, and they can exit those programmes with a CVQ Level I Certificate. These are, furniture making, motor vehicle repairs, electrical installation, commercial food preparation and home management.”
The DCEO – Tech further explained that as a result of PID, students from the region will now have the ability to do further levels of CVQ Certification.
“By its nature and design, they (the students) don’t have to go to Georgetown, they don’t have to go to Linden, they don’t have to go to Essequibo. But they can stay right here in this beautiful space and they can earn a CVQ Level III. By extension, they can have further education. They can go to the University of Guyana and complete their CVQ Level IV, or as we know it, a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering related programme as well as the Hospitality in Tourism programme,” Dr. Tularam stated.
The North West PID will offer hands-on workshops, industry-relevant training programmes, and certification courses aimed at preparing students for successful careers.
