$346.2M North West Secondary Commissioned
October 15, 2024 – President Dr. Irfaan Ali yesterday officially commissioned the newly rebuilt North West Secondary School in Mabaruma, Region One, which had been destroyed by fire in September 2021.
The state-of-the-art facility, rebuilt at a cost of $346.2 million, represents a major step forward for education in the region.
The new school is designed to accommodate 575 students and features 23 classrooms, three science laboratories (for Physics, Chemistry, and Biology), a technical drawing room, and various staff facilities.
Additionally, it includes washrooms for students with special needs, offices for the Headmaster and Deputy Headmaster, a janitor’s room, two modified elevators for accessibility, four canteens, and eight student washrooms. To ensure safety, 11 fire alarms and smoke detectors will soon be installed.
The project was executed by Aruca Investments, with Innovative Engineering Services as the project consultant.
The school will serve students from numerous communities, including Hotoquai, Yarakita, Matthews Ridge, Sebai, Red Hill, and many others in the region.
During his address, President Ali emphasized the importance of providing comprehensive, high-quality education to children in hinterland and riverain areas.
He highlighted how, in the past, many children from these regions lacked opportunities to pursue advanced education and professional training.
However, thanks to significant investments, children from these areas now make up more than 50% of the intake in national programs like the Nursing Programme, Teacher’s Training College, and various officers’ programs in the Guyana Police Force, Guyana Defence Force, Prison Service, and Fire Service.
“For the first time, you have the access, you have the opportunities to write CXC, get the minimum requirement, and enter these programs. And you have demonstrated that not only did you want the access, you wanted the opportunity to showcase your talent and be the best you can be for your country,” President Ali said.
He also reaffirmed his government’s commitment to supporting the professional development of teachers in the hinterland. He assured that teachers will have opportunities to complete their training and become trained graduates without the need to travel to the coast.
Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, also spoke at the event, reflecting on the government’s commitment to ensuring universal access to quality education.
She emphasized the importance of both access and quality in education, noting that the government is working to ensure that every child in Guyana, regardless of location, has the opportunity to receive a high-quality education.
“We believe that to build out Guyana, to grow this country, we have to get the talent of each and every child, of each and every adult. We have to make you the best you can be so that Guyana can benefit,” she stated.
The reopening of North West Secondary School restores a crucial educational resource for Mabaruma and surrounding communities, while also providing modern infrastructure to foster academic success.
This project reflects the government’s ongoing dedication to improving educational facilities nationwide, ensuring that all students have access to safe, well-equipped learning environments.
