Dear Editor,
In the 80s I was a hinterland student who had to leave the comfort of my home in the Rupununi to attend secondary school in Georgetown. At that time it was the only way we could have attained a secondary education. We left the comfort of our homes, oftentimes in tears and resentment, to a land and life completely unknown, to attain this much vaunted secondary education. The stories that those of us who took this arduous journey can tell would fill volumes. We were put into homes with strange people. Some were lucky and were treated well – good accommodation, caring guardians, good food etc. But for many of us it was a scene from hell – racially abused, lack of adequate food, poor accommodation etc. Many left before they attained their secondary qualifications. Many barely scraped through. And the most resilient soldiered on and came out with flying colours. What we can all universally acclaim is that our road through secondary education was completely different to those from the coastland.
Over time things gradually improved. Firstly, dormitories were built and students came out of guardian homes and all stayed under one roof under the direct responsibility of the government of the day. Things got better but it still wasn’t like going to school from home. Eventually secondary schools started to be built in the regions and this became a major game changer for the better. More hinterland children attained secondary education and qualification.
Recently my village of Nappi started construction of its own secondary school, aptly named after an icon of our village. It was an emotional moment for me. What I had dreamed and wished for many years ago was now becoming a reality. To also read of the many other secondary schools being constructed in villages across the region was most heartening. A big thank you must be extended to the government for undertaking such a massive investment into education in the hinterland. But this must not be the end. With improved education comes further needs. Will there be jobs for all of these children that will most likely now be coming out with a better secondary education?
Right now in the Rupununi most jobs are government based such as teachers, nurses, clerks etc. An educated child will want to have access to further learning and eventually attain better paying jobs in sectors such as oil and gas. Will this be considered in the near future? Maybe a technical institute and a University of Guyana campus in the Rupununi? Maybe a branch of Guyana School of Agriculture since agriculture is a key industry in our region? Maybe some of the support services for oil and gas comes to the Rupununi?
The steps for real change in our region have unquestionably begun. Education, the foundation for any real development, has received a major boost with all of the secondary schools being built. But this isn’t the end but merely the beginning. Hope our leaders at government, regional and village levels understand this and all work together for a glorious future.
Sincerely,
M. Abraham
