OVER 80 second-year trainee teachers from Region One will soon be making their way to the Cyril Potter College of Education’s main campus at Turkeyen, East Coast Demerara to complete their studies before returning home as trained and qualified teachers.
In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Brentnol Ashley, Regional Chairman of Region One, expressed his immense satisfaction with the trainee teachers seizing the opportunities that are provided to them.
According to him, they have demonstrated that they too are capable of doing exceptionally well.
“I am very excited that the teachers from my region are taking the opportunity to advance their knowledge not only for themselves but for the people and children of this region. It is about time that they capitalise on and expand on these opportunities. Even though we are away from the coastland, I am pleased that we recognise that our potential and capabilities are just as any other school in the country,” related Ashley.
The regional chairman further stated that all schools are required to have a contingency plan in place so that there is a smooth delivery of the curriculum in the absence of the teachers, who were already in the classroom prior to them pursuing formal training.
Ashley said: “I want to say that while this is great news for the educational system in Region One, I also want to mention that the heads of these schools must ensure that there is a plan in place so that the pupils are not at a disadvantage because of the teacher’s absence in the classroom.”
Meanwhile, Ashley noted that he would like to thank the Government of Guyana, particularly Education Minister Priya Manickchand, for her continuous trust and belief in the teachers across the nation, especially those in the remote areas.
Ashley said: “Since the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) took office in 2020, the teachers and the education system have been immensely improved, especially in Region One. What I also observed is that the teachers are more involved in the classrooms with their pupils, and the parents are also playing their role as well.”
Additionally, Ashley shared that he believes that with the right attitude, values, and respect from the teachers, children, and community, Guyana will indeed progress in the right direction.
“I truly believe that if we have teachers who are dedicated towards the future generation, we will have a community and a society that wants to develop and build our country. Yes, the government is doing their part, but we cannot expect everything to be fixed at once. We are a country that is progressing, and that means that everything will be fixed in time, but in the meantime, we will work on bettering ourselves and others with the opportunities that are presented to us now,” he added.
Lastly, the regional chairman stressed that although he recognises and appreciates the teachers in the region for “going above and beyond” to fulfil their career goals and make their community proud, he also wants them to know that he is aware of the sacrifices that they are making for their own well-being, that of their families, and consequently, for the children that are in their care.
“While we are appreciative of these teachers for going above and beyond to fulfil their professional goals and make us proud as a region, I want them to know that I also see the sacrifices that they are making by leaving their families and loved ones behind. I want them to know that their sacrifices will be rewarded in time as well,” he said.
