New $940.7M Christ Church Secondary School Commissioned

July 3 2025

The Government of Guyana, through the Ministry of Education, on Monday commissioned the newly reconstructed Christ Church Secondary School, located at the intersection of Camp and Middle Streets in Georgetown. The ultra-modern facility, rebuilt at a cost of G$940.7 million, replaces the former structure that was destroyed by arson on January 23, 2023.

The devastating fire left 506 students and their teachers without a school. Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Minister of Education Priya Manickchand described that day as a “dark one in the history of education in Guyana,” recalling how students and staff stood helplessly watching the building burn.

Despite the trauma and uncertainty, Minister Manickchand praised the resilience of the school community, especially the headteacher, for “standing for what was right” and ensuring continuity in education. During the transitional period, students were accommodated at CPCE (Cyril Potter College of Education) as efforts were made to secure proper classroom space.

Now completed, the new Christ Church Secondary stands as one of the most advanced secondary institutions in the country.

Key Features of the New School Facility:

20 Classrooms, each accommodating 30–40 students

8 State-of-the-art laboratories, including:

2 Science Labs

2 Information Technology Labs

2 Industrial Technology Labs

2 Language Labs

Library

Auditorium/Multipurpose Hall seating 390, with male and female changing rooms

Accessible washrooms for male and female students on each floor, plus showers on the ground floor

Modern canteen, sick bay, and storage rooms on each floor

Main staffroom for 16–18 staff with lunchroom, washroom, and shower facilities

Additional staffrooms on other floors

Minister Manickchand noted that 98% of the teachers attached to the school are trained, and praised the students’ perseverance during a difficult year in which they still achieved a 38% to 65% matriculation rate.

She emphasized that the new Christ Church Secondary represents not just a physical rebuild, but a symbol of equity, resilience, and commitment to quality education in Guyana.

The school will welcome students for the new academic term and is expected to significantly enhance learning opportunities in the capital.

President Ali Hails Christ Church Secondary as Symbol of Educational Transformation

President Dr. Irfaan Ali, delivering remarks at the commissioning, described the institution as a powerful symbol of Guyana’s advancing education sector and national progress.

He highlighted that as education continues to evolve globally, Guyana must ensure its own system remains dynamic, modern, and responsive.

The new Christ Church Secondary, equipped with cutting-edge technology and high-quality infrastructure, reflects this commitment to delivering excellence in education.

Dr. Ali commended the construction work and the quality standards achieved during the rebuilding process, noting that the school now possesses the best available systems and facilities to support student development.

He acknowledged that the devastating fire in January 2023 disrupted the academic journey of hundreds of students. However, the reopening of Christ Church marks not only a return, but an upgrade — both in vision and capacity. The school now stands ready to continue its legacy of shaping future generations.

Reflecting on its historical significance, the President noted that Christ Church Secondary was originally established as a pace-setting institution strategically placed to serve the needs of working-class families during an era when secondary education was largely dominated by private schools. Its return represents continuity in access, inclusion, and empowerment.

Dr. Ali positioned the current moment as one of educational empowerment, with the government focusing on early investments in the education system. He announced plans for increased support services, including investments in childcare facilities, designed to help young professionals balance work and parenting, knowing their children are in safe hands.

He described the rebuilt Christ Church Secondary as a monument to the enduring dreams of past generations — dreams that are now gaining momentum. The President emphasized that Guyana is not simply constructing school buildings, but is shaping a world-class education system that will serve future generations for decades to come.