The Georgetown community celebrated a major educational milestone on Friday with the grand opening of St. Gabriel’s Nursery School. The $60 million facility, which aims to deliver high-quality early childhood education, was officially commissioned in a ceremony attended by local education officials and enthusiastic families.
The opening of St. Gabriel’s Nursery School marks a significant advancement in early childhood education for the region. The modern facility boasts state-of-the-art classrooms, interactive learning environments, and outdoor play areas, all designed to promote both academic and social development for young children.
During the ceremony, key figures emphasized the importance of this new institution. Minister of Education, the Honourable Priya Manickchand, delivered the opening remarks, highlighting Guyana’s commitment to education despite the non-mandatory status of nursery schooling.
“Nursery education may not be compulsory in Guyana, but we have the highest enrollment rate of nursery-aged children in the Commonwealth Caribbean,” Minister Manickchand stated. “From 2020 to now, we have built 42 nursery schools across the country. This demonstrates our commitment to enhancing educational infrastructure across all levels.”
The Minister underscored the critical role of nursery education in laying the foundation for future academic success. “The early years are crucial,” she explained. “If children enter Grade One struggling with basic literacy, it affects their entire academic journey. Investing in nursery education is essential to ensure children receive a strong start.”
In addition to building new schools, the Ministry has been active in supporting parents and students. Minister Manickchand noted the introduction of the ‘Roraima Readers’ series, which aims to ensure that every child exits nursery reading at an appropriate level. The Ministry also supports families through the ‘Because We Care’ Cash Grant, providing $45,000 per child, and through the Juice and Biscuit program, which ensures that children receive a nutritious snack.
Assistant Chief Education Officer for Nursery Schools, Devendra Persaud, praised the role of high-quality educational infrastructure. “High-quality buildings, classrooms, and equipment are vital for effective learning,” Persaud said. “St. Gabriel’s Nursery School is a testament to our government’s commitment to providing equal educational opportunities for all children, whether in rural or urban areas.”
The new nursery school, which began construction in March 2022, was completed at a total cost of $60.1 million. The project, managed by contractor Trevon David’s, was finished within a 7-month period, followed by an additional 7 months for defects liability. The facility accommodates 161 pupils and 13 staff members across 10 classrooms, with an equal division between first-year and second-year classes.
The grand opening ceremony included a ribbon-cutting event, guided tours of the facility, and a showcase of the innovative programs to be offered. Families had the opportunity to explore the new resources and meet the dedicated team of educators who will lead the children’s educational journeys.
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