The newly reconstructed Providence Nursery School, located at Herstelling, East Bank Demerara, was recently commissioned by Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand.
A release from the Ministry of Education (MoE) yesterday stated that the Providence Nursery School is the 61st nursery school was constructed under the ministry’s infrastructure development programme between 2021 and 2024, and was completed in just four months at a cost of $35,700,000.
The nursery school will now provide a modern and nurturing learning environment for 120 children, supported by 12 fully trained teachers, the release explained.
Manickchand, in her remarks at the ceremony, emphasised the Ministry’s dedication to building a strong foundation for Guyana’s youngest learners. “We believe, in the Ministry of Education, that this is the very foundation.”
She highlighted that although nursery education is not mandatory in Guyana, the country boasts the highest nursery enrolment rate in the Commonwealth Caribbean. “That tells you about this country’s interest in nursery education, the parents’ interest in nursery education, and their commitment to ensuring a strong start for their children.”
The Minister also outlined MoE’s Literacy Department’s nationwide initiative to ensure every child achieves age-appropriate literacy and numeracy skills by Grade Four. The initiative aims to equip children leaving the Early Childhood Phase with the ability to read, understand, and apply their literacy and numeracy skills effectively, regardless of their geographic location.
Meanwhile, Assistant Chief Education Officer for Nursery Education, Devendra Persaud, underscored the critical role of early childhood education in shaping the future of young learners.
“As we all know, nursery education is the foundation for a child’s academic and personal growth. Children’s early childhood experiences shape the adults they will become, and the skills they acquire during this time will carry them through their entire lives.”
He also highlighted the Ministry’s commitment to expanding access to early childhood education across Guyana.
According to the release, the school is designed to offer every child, regardless of background or circumstances, access to quality early childhood education. It fosters cognitive, emotional, and social development, while promoting curiosity, creativity, and the celebration of each child’s potential.
Through innovative initiatives and sustained investments in infrastructure, MoE aims to empower all learners to achieve their full potential, contributing to national development and global competitiveness, the release added.
