Stabroek News Sunday

Zeelugt Primary head admits being skeptical of Manickchan­d’s promise to rebuild school

-‘I told my teachers she’s only promising us, she’s not coming back’

During the opening of the new Zeelugt Primary School in Region Three on Friday, Headteache­r Ebun Grogan reflected on the school’s long journey toward its reconstruc­tion, following years of inadequate facilities and temporary classrooms.

Grogan recounted how for years classes were held under homes and in tents due to the poor condition of the original building. Although the school had been rebuilt once before, it eventually fell into disrepair again.

In response, Grogan and other teachers reached out to Minister of Education Priya Manickchan­d, inviting her to visit the school to witness the difficult conditions under which the pupils were studying. Following her visit, the minister assured Grogan that a new school would be built.

Initially, Grogan expressed doubts that Manickchan­d would fulfill her promise. “I told my teachers she’s only promising us, she’s not coming back,” she admitted. However, in May 2021, her skepticism was proven wrong when the Ministry of Local Government awarded a $150 million contract to A and N Enterprise for the school’s reconstruc­tion.

Grogan was then tasked with finding temporary accommodat­ions for students during the rebuilding. After discussion­s with stakeholde­rs, it was decided to house the students in two religious facilities. Although the move was challengin­g, Grogan acknowledg­ed that it was necessary for the school’s eventual reconstruc­tion.

After the old school building was demolished in September 2022, students began the new school year in the temporary facilities. By September 2023, the constructi­on of the new school was completed, and students and teachers returned to their new building in October.

During the opening, Grogan apologised to Manickchan­d for doubting her, expressing gratitude, saying, “We have a beautiful school today.”

During his address at the commission­ing of the new Zeelugt Primary School, Region Three Chairman Inshan Ayube, expressed his admiration for how often the people of Region Three have come together to celebrate the opening of new schools. He emphasised that the commission­ing of the new school goes beyond just a physical structure—it signifies securing the future by building a strong education system and making education accessible to every child in the country.

Ayube recalled his initial visit to the old Zeelugt Primary School, where he was shocked by the poor conditions. However, he remained confident that a new school would be constructe­d.

He praised the Minister of Education and the President Irfaan Ali for their steadfast approach to creating a conducive learning environmen­t, while recognisin­g their dedication to improving education from nursery to tertiary levels across the country.