Additional fuel provision for Jacklow Village teachers

Teachers attached to Jacklow Primary School, Pomeroon-Supenaam (Region Two) are to be given adequate fuel provision to make home visits to teach and distribute worksheets to their students, who were unable to retrieve them amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

This initiative will be undertaken by the Regional Administration.

Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Hon. Nigel Dharamlall made this disclosure during a recent ministerial outreach in the Region.  He told DPI that the school’s Headteacher, Mr. Rajendra Pershad, spoke about the difficulties teachers were facing performing their duties.

The school had designated dates for parents and students to visit the school and discuss the material in the worksheets with teachers. However, some parents were noticeably absent. This led to teachers making home visits to close the gap but due to limited resources, it has been inconsistent.

Headteacher of Jacklow Primary School, Mr. Rajendra Pershad

A section of the outreach in Jacklow Village

“We cannot make such excuses since it is only affecting the children and so we will have to do what we can to ensure our children can gain access to an education despite the Covid environment because we cannot allow them to be left behind,” the Minister said.

Minister Dharamlall added that he understands the financial burdens parents are facing to send their children to school and it is the Government’s responsibility to address such issues to ensure the development of the nation’s future leaders.

“I know that it is not the best way but I prefer teachers go to the different households to meet with students and their parents, instead of all of the parents having to go to the primary school as most does not have resources,” the Minister added.

The Local Government Minister said the Regional Administration will be responsible for the school’s fuel consumption going forward.