Pandemic hammering education delivery in riverain, lake communities.

The COVID-19 Pandemic has without a doubt ravished countless sectors and industries, throughout Guyana. Education activities in Region two like other parts of the country continues to be affected.

A report presented earlier today, by the Education Committee of the Regional Democratic Council pointed to the insufficient supply of materials to children.   “We’ve received reports from parents that much of the works contained on the work sheets and online, are not sufficient. We’ve also received reports that some teachers resort to giving lessons, when they should be in school.” Said Chair of the committee Verina Rasheed

The report identified riverine and lake communities as facing greater disadvantage.

The Regional Executive Officer, Devenand Ramdatt, told the media there are multiple issues surrounding the distribution of worksheets in Wakapoa, Akawini and communities in the Lower Pomeroon River. Most communities in the Pomeroon, are predominantly accessible by that river along creeks and canals.

The REO said that during a few days’ visit, it was observed that the delivery and distribution of worksheets are untimely. Ramdatt also pointed out that accessibility to uplift worksheets, also pose a challenge for parents and learners.

“It has been reported that some parents don’t uplift worksheets from the schools because of transportation costs,” Ramdatt said, “We’ve also received reports that worksheets from central ministry would usually arrive late for distribution. In some instances, for example, worksheets for week 5 arriving in week 8,” he pointed out.

This publication was told that in response to the unearthed issues, a team has been assembled to address the concerns.

Mr. Anthony Richards- Head Teacher Wakapoa Secondary School, Mr. Haslim Williams- Head teacher Tapakuma Primary School, Ms. Yvette Tafares- DREO, Mr. Haimraj Hamandeo- Schools Welfare Officer. Mr. Roland Richards- Head teacher and Ms. Sonia Latchman- Teacher and Toashao Bethany make up that team.

The team has since  made several recommendations to the Ministry of Education, which once adhered to, shall yield  results. The team pointed out that in an effort to remedy the late delivery of worksheets, work materials for the riverine and lake schools, should be printed in the region.

The team went on recommend that worksheets be sent at an earlier date, due to the geographic location of lake and riverine communities.

The Regional Executive Officer, also recommended that transportation previously used for the delivery of school children to school, be used for the delivery of worksheets.

Ramdatt explained, saying, “we need to adopt an effective transportation system where there is a collaboration with Village councils and schools to ensure worksheets are delivered to learners. Assistance can be provided to the village councils in the form of fuel.” He went on to say, “It is important to note that in most of these Amerindian communities’ transportation was provided to learners to attend school.

That service has mostly ceased during this pandemic. If this is resumed, then it will greatly aid in the delivery of worksheets and also feedback and evaluation.”