New Yupukari Secondary School Boosts Education Access in Region Nine
April 22, 2025 – President Dr. Irfaan Ali officially commissioned the newly constructed Yupukari Secondary School on Saturday, marking a significant advancement in the government’s nationwide drive to ensure equitable access to education for all Guyanese, especially those in hinterland communities.
The state-of-the-art facility is set to accommodate approximately 200 students from Yupukari and nearby villages including Fly Hill, Quatata, and Kaicumbay. Its opening represents a major step toward reducing the dependence on dormitory facilities at St. Ignatius Secondary School, as students will now have access to quality education closer to home.
The commissioning of the Yupukari Secondary School follows the earlier launch of the Katoka Secondary School on the same day, underscoring the administration’s sustained focus on boosting educational infrastructure across Region Nine.
During the ceremony, Minister of Education Priya Manickchand emphasized the far-reaching impact of the government’s education transformation agenda. Through enhanced infrastructure, the provision of textbooks, the hiring of trained teachers, and daily nutrition support, the government aims to close the educational gap between the coastland and the interior.
Minister Manickchand highlighted several ongoing secondary school construction projects across the region, including in Karasabai, Tabatinga, Maruranau, Nappi, and Massara. These efforts are projected to add 2,500 new secondary school seats—more than doubling the region’s existing capacity within a single presidential term.
The Yupukari Secondary School project was awarded to contractor Clyve King through a transparent public procurement process overseen by the National Tender Board Administration. The facility includes modern classrooms and learning resources, providing students with a well-rounded academic environment.
Community members, parents, and educators have welcomed the development, viewing it as a game-changer for academic outcomes in the area. With fewer students needing to relocate to access education, dropout rates are expected to decline, while opportunities for continued academic advancement increase.
This latest investment by the Ministry of Education reflects its strategic commitment to delivering quality education across all regions of Guyana—ensuring no child is left behind, regardless of geography.
