99% of local teachers trained or in-training – Manickchand

The Ministry of Education wants all teachers across the country trained or in training by 2025 and already, subject Minister Priya Manickchand said about 99 per cent progress was attained on that goal.

“Right now we have 99 per cent of our teachers trained or in training,” Manickchand said on Tuesday at a press conference in Kingston, Georgetown.

For years, the country has had an average of about 70 per cent to 80 per cent trained teachers.

But with a massive expansion of the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE), many more teachers are getting trained now. Manickchand said with this deliberate policy decision, coupled with improved access to training opportunities in hinterland communities, many more teachers are becoming trained.

She described these opportunities as “game changers.”

Manickchand also noted that getting to 100 per cent trained teachers may take some more time since there are few instances where it would not be practical to ask older teachers in the system to get formal training now. Instead, she said those teachers are being supported otherwise.

Meanwhile, the minister also spoke about the suite of incentives being rolled out to improve teachers’ welfare in Guyana. Those incentives include increased allowances, scholarships, and duty-free allowances.

“Teachers of this country are precious to us and have benefitted from deliberate actions meant to make their life and welfare easier,” she said.