Students from Baracara, a riverain community in Region Six, will soon benefit from accommodation at the $11 million newly renovated Amerindian Hostel in New Amsterdam, Berbice, a release from the Department of Public Information stated.
The expansion project which was the result of a commitment made by President Irfaan Ali during a visit to the Baracara community last year, increases the hostel’s capacity to house about 15 more students.
The renovation works were carried out by Lakhram Singh Contracting Service, and overseen by the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development. It features new dormitories, with the upper floor designated for female students and the lower for males.
During an interview with the DPI on Wednesday, Regional Chairman, David Armogan, highlighted the significance of accommodating students from far-flung communities to support their educational endeavours. He stressed that the upgraded facility is designed to reduce the financial strain on families by eliminating the need for rented housing.
Through the Ministry of Education, rehabilitation works were completed on seven dormitories in the first half of the year, to accommodate students from remote communities. In the second half of the year, similar works will be carried out on an additional dormitory.
According to the release, this initiative is part of the government’s effort to ensure equal access to education nationwide, reducing the burden on students who must travel long distances to attend secondary school.
