The Ministry of Education (MoE) has embarked on an initiative aimed at improving teaching practices across schools spearheaded by the National Centre for Educational Research and Development (NCERD).
The programme – Teach Secondary Training of Observers – centres on an observation tool developed by the World Bank, designed to facilitate the systematic evaluation of educators and marks a significant step forward in a pilot project that seeks to implement this new observational tool nationally, a MoE release has stated.
It explained that the evaluation tool is expected to provide invaluable insights into classroom practices and teacher performance and is in line with MoE’s commitment to monitoring teaching effectiveness. The training will equip teachers and education officers with the necessary skills to utilise the observation tool effectively and represents the second cohort of observers, following a successful first group that laid the groundwork for the project. The programme is coordinated by Rovin Sukhraj, while training coordination is led by Petal Kadir.
According to the release, MoE is optimistic that the insights gained from these observations will contribute significantly to the overall improvement of the educational landscape, and through the careful monitoring of teaching practices, foster a more effective learning environment for students nationwide.
Meanwhile, NCERD facilitated another important education programme, this time in the area of health and safety in an effort to promote safety education and the long-term development of a national safety culture in Guyana.
According to the MoE, a programme it describes as “prestigious and internationally recognised” has commenced at NCERD under the banner of the National Examination Board of Conditional Safety and Health, noting that “this globally respected certification is acknowledged in over 130 countries, highlighting its significance and the elite standard it represents.”
This initiative is designed to identify and reduce risks and hazards across various sectors, ensuring that the Guyanese workforce operates in safe and secure environments, it added.
According to the release, 29 instructors and representatives from various institutions under the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Council were carefully selected to participate in this programme. It noted that these participants, representing institutions and colleges across the country, were chosen for their future role in passing on the knowledge gained through this 11-week intensive programme. Upon completion and successfully passing a rigorous examination, they will receive international recognition, placing them among a select group of safety professionals worldwide.
MoE also pointed out that the purpose of the training is not just to provide international expertise but to adapt it to Guyana’s unique needs. As such, with a focus on local culture, standards, and norms, participants will leverage their newfound skills to build a comprehensive national safety program.
The training is being facilitated by Vice President and Senior Trainer at the Canadian Safety Institute Peter Devenis, and President of the Institute Tonia Devenis. The Canadian Safety Institute is an accredited training centre tasked with executing this programme. Their involvement adds a layer of prestige and assurance, given their track record of excellence in safety training.
Tonia Devenis, speaking at the launch of the programme, expressed her admiration for the participants. “When we came here, we didn’t know what to expect in terms of if they were ready and the level of training that would be needed for them. But I’m so impressed at the level of curiosity and open-mindedness, and how much more they want to learn and succeed. It shows how much they’re obviously committed to the programme,” she was quoted as saying.
The training initiative is a collaborative effort between the Greater Guyana Initiative and the TVET Council, reflecting a strong partnership aimed at improving safety standards across the country. By equipping local professionals with world-class skills and knowledge, Guyana is poised to create safer work environments, aligned with global standards while catering to local needs, the release added.
