Phillipai to get $275M Secondary School
Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, visited Phillipai in Cuyuni-Mazaruni, Region 7, recently, to officially launch a transformative project for the community: the construction of the Phillipai Secondary School.
The visit included a ceremonial sod-turning event, marking the commencement of this significant development.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Education, During her visit, Minister Manickchand engaged with local villagers, addressing their concerns and highlighting the positive impact the new school will bring to the community. She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing accessible and quality education through various initiatives, such as the School Feeding Programme, which ensures students receive nutritious meals to support their learning.
“We introduced the School Feeding Programme because we want to make sure your children learn,” Minister Manickchand said. “Our research shows that you cannot learn on an empty stomach. Even when we were a heavily indebted poor country in the mid-2000s, we provided hot meals to Amerindian villages. We became a model for the world, with the World Bank showcasing us to other countries.”
Minister Manickchand emphasized that the government’s commitment to the community goes beyond words. “When we say we love you, it’s not just words, it’s actions that change your lives,” she stated. “We come here very ordinary, but every engagement brings goodness for you. Even when you don’t see us, we’re working for you.”
The Phillipai Secondary School, with an investment of G$275,230,000, is set to be a modern educational facility featuring three key blocks. These include Home Economics and Visual Arts classrooms, a well-equipped library, eight classrooms with sanitary facilities, administrative space, and a sick bay.
The release further stated that an initial mobilization amount of G$82,569,000 has been allocated to kickstart the project, which is expected to be completed within eight months. The new school will accommodate approximately 240 students from Phillipai and surrounding areas, including Amokokopai, Klaimalu, Wayalayeng, Chimanapai, Emoikeng, Chinoweing, and Wax Creek.
This development represents a significant advancement in the local educational infrastructure and underscores the government’s ongoing dedication to enhancing educational opportunities across the nation.
