Biometric clock-in coming for Teachers as MoE targets absenteeism

February 2 2026

Teachers at several schools across Guyana will soon be required to record their attendance using a biometric system, as the Ministry of Education moves to curb absenteeism and ensure consistent classroom instruction.

Education Minister Sonia Parag announced the initiative during Insider, the News Room’s Sunday evening interview programme, emphasizing that the measure is not intended to punish teachers but to safeguard students’ right to uninterrupted learning.

Parag said the decision follows a recent school visit early in the academic term, where she found that 12 teachers were absent on a given day, with only three having approved leave. The remaining absences, she noted, directly affected students who were left without instruction.

The biometric system, which will track when teachers arrive and leave school compounds, is currently being piloted at several institutions ahead of a planned nationwide rollout. Once fully implemented, the system will provide the Ministry of Education with real-time attendance data, allowing for better monitoring and more informed administrative decisions.

According to the minister, the goal is accountability and transparency, not discipline. “This is about ensuring that children are in classrooms with teachers present and engaged,” Parag said, adding that consistent teacher attendance is critical to improving educational outcomes.

The Ministry has indicated that feedback from the pilot phase will inform adjustments before the system is expanded to schools nationwide.