Stabroek News

Zeelugt gets new $152m primary school

The Ministry of Education yesterday celebrated the opening of the newly built, $152 million Zeelugt Primary School on the East Bank of Essequibo.

In her address, Minister of Education Priya Manickchan­d recalled her visit to the old Zeelugt Primary School on April 1, 2021, where she was shocked by the poor condition of the building. She described feeling as if she was swaying when she entered the upper floor, a sensation that the headteache­r explained was a common experience due to the building’s dilapidate­d state. Recognisin­g the urgent need for a safer learning environmen­t, Manickchan­d brought the issue to President Irfaan Ali, who agreed that a new school should be constructe­d.

The new Zeelugt Primary School which costs $152 million, features a headteache­r and deputy headteache­r’s office, a sick bay, a spacious auditorium, and colourful, interactiv­e classrooms, supported by a staff of over 30 teachers. Manickchan­d expressed her expectatio­n that the upgrades would significan­tly enhance student outcomes, stating, “Every student should exit this school at their highest possible capacity. That is what we must see from the school; that is what must happen when we invest in you in these ways.”

The education minister highlighte­d the ministry’s consistent efforts to make education accessible to children from all background­s. She said that under President Ali’s administra­tion, significan­t progress has been made with the constructi­on of 26 secondary schools, 42 nursery schools, and 18 primary schools, along with the training of more teachers.

Manickchan­d acknowledg­ed that while the oil economy has facilitate­d the developmen­t of infrastruc­ture such as roads and bridges, which might give the impression of a more developed society, it is crucial not to overlook the needs of the population. She stressed that her ministry and political party are committed to ensuring that education remains a central focus, and quoted President Ali’s belief that alongside infrastruc­ture developmen­t, it is essential for every child to receive an education. “He insists that as we build roads and bridges, our people must progress alongside this developmen­t. Every single child must have access to education.”

Also addressing the attendees was President Ali, who emphasised the

importance of investing in qualitativ­e improvemen­ts to secure the future and stressed that the first step in this process is shaping young minds. He highlighte­d that the primary education system is crucial for laying the foundation for students’ future success and underscore­d the need for creating a comfortabl­e and conducive learning environmen­t, acknowledg­ing that ensuring primary

schools are well-equipped and supportive is essential for effective education “We want to be part of positive movement, taking every one of us, every Guyanese, on a journey to prosperity.”

Following the ceremonial proceeding­s, President

Ali, Manickchan­d, and Minister in the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar together unveiled the plaque commemorat­ing the opening of the new school and performed the ribboncutt­ing ceremony followed by a tour of the various facilities within the school.