MoE distributes worksheets in Sophia

Ministry of Education officials have taken to the streets to deliver learning materials to the doorsteps of those most in need, to ensure every school-aged child remains engaged during the COVID-19 pandemic.

On Wednesday, officials fanned out in Sophia where they took learning materials straight to the homes of several students. Speaking to the Department of Public Information, Education Officer – Primary Division, Ms. Stembiso Grant said, “the exercise aims to reach learners who do not have any access at all.”

She explained that assessments show that while some students are being engaged virtually and others utilising worksheets, many have not been able to access either.

“Every week, the schools are required to submit information on the number of children who are accessing some form of learning and based on an analysis of the information submitted over the past three weeks, we noticed that there are a few children who would not have been accessing any. So, we … requested the names and addresses of those students,” she said.

Ms. Grant said this will be an ongoing exercise in various communities to ensure each child is provided with the opportunity to learn while at home. The team was equipped with learning material for nursery, primary and secondary students.

While the official list comprises 119 children, the team had enough material to distribute to 400 students, she said.

Ms. Grant also said the team will engage both the children and parents during the home visits and will use the opportunity to assess the challenges they face.

“When we go to these homes, we want to find out exactly what the challenges are and see how best we can help them,” she said.

Sophia Primary School Headteacher, Ms. Audrey Sue told DPI that while about 51 per cent of students attending the school are being engaged virtually, the worksheets are found to be more effective in education delivery.

“More children are being reached using the worksheets…It’s more practical work they are doing where you’re able to see what the children are doing and if they have grasped the concept,” she explained.

Both parents and students were eager to receive the learning packages.

Nine-year-old Miss Travena Matthews told DPI while she was using the virtual learning platform, she is excited to be able to complete her worksheets. Meanwhile, her mother, Ms. Yoletta Porter commended the Ministry for the initiative.

“I feel really happy about it because they will be able to get to work better,” she said, adding that she plans to sit and work along with her daughter.

Another parent, Mr. Christopher James said he is satisfied with the Ministry’s work.

The Ministry has employed a roster of measures to ensure that every child receives an education during the pandemic. Worksheet packages have been distributed across the regions. They are also available on the Ministry’s website: education.gov.gy/web/