$54M contract for CV Nunes Primary School extension signed by Gov’t

The recent signing of a $54M contract for the extension of the CV Nunes Primary School in Anna Regina, Pomeroon-Supenaam, (Region Two), Guyana will see another 278 students will soon have access to education.

It was revealed that the extension will see the construction of a two-storey building to house 12 additional classrooms, a sanitary facility and a trestle.

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh facilitated the contract signing on Sunday. It was noted that the project was a promise made by President, Irfaan Ali during his outreach to the region back in May. The school extension is also a PPP/C manifesto commitment to improving access to education at every level.

“I don’t want you only to view it as another 12 classrooms or another building at CV Nunes. You heard me speak about development in all 10 regions and that development includes ensuring that no matter where you live, no matter which region or which town or which village you live, you must be able to access good quality education,” Dr. Singh said.

It was pointed out that the current building, which accommodates 826 students, also recently benefited from maintenance works on the roof, ceiling, and windows, as well as electrical and drainage upgrades.

However, regarding educational opportunities, the government provided over 1,000 persons in Region Two with scholarships through the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL). The government also returned the school’s cash grant programme and increased the school uniform and supplies grant, which saw every child in public and private schools receiving $30,000.

Minister Singh called on both teachers and parents to play a role in nurturing students. “We are committed to doing all that we possibly can to create the conditions and to put in place the infrastructure so that all of your children, without exception, can get a good quality education, but we cannot come into your homes and instil that hunger in your children, you have to pick it up there,” he said.

The finance minister said through budget 2022, the government allocated $74.4M for the education sector.  It was stressed that the President Ali led administration has invested heavily to improve access to education and training for teachers.

Further, some of the government’s manifesto commitment includes building, expanding and improving educational facilities across Guyana, enhancing opportunities in Technical Vocational Education and Training and improving attention to children with special education needs