Education Minister visits 16 southeast schools

Minister of Education Dr Nyan Gadsby-Dolly continued her tour of primary and secondary schools on Tuesday after the reopening of schools on February 7.

Primary school students preparing for Secondary Entrance Assessment (SEA) exams and lower secondary forms one-three students were allowed to return to the physical classroom as the ministry continues to roll out its phased reopening of schools.

In a statement on Tuesday, the ministry said Gadsby-Dolly visited 16 schools on day four of its tour.

“A warm southeastern welcome from students and teachers greeted (Gadsby-Dolly) at Guayaguayare Secondary School, the first stop on the 16-school tour.”

It said the ministry was updated from the principals of each school on the level of preparedness, administrative and infrastructural needs, as well as levels of attendance and student response to the reopening.

“All schools visited have worked assiduously to provide the required safety protocols which allow students and teachers to return to school safely. Where further support and intervention is required, the ministry’s technical team will provide, in conjunction with the National Maintenance Training and Security Company Ltd.”

It said Gadsby-Dolly engaged students and questioned them about their experiences on returning to the physical classroom. She reminded students of the importance of staying safe.

“While the return to school opened the doors to make new friends and rekindle old friendships, it is also equally important that you focus on getting the most value from your education. Work hard and, above all, stay safe so that we can keep our schools open."

The schools visited were Guayaguayare Secondary School; Guayaguayare RC School, St Anthony's Primary School; Mayaro St Thomas RC School; Mayaro Government Primary School; Mayaro Secondary School; Mafeking Government Primary School; Rio Claro East Secondary School; Rio Claro West Secondary School; Rio Claro Hindu SDMS; Rio Claro Presbyterian Primary School; St Therese RC School; Poole Rosary RC School; Libertville TML Primary School; Robert Village Hindu School; Tableland Secondary; North Trace Government Primary School.