As Guyana observes Education Month 2025 under the theme “Quality Education for National Development,” stories from across the country reflect the sector’s steady progress, from humble, challenging beginnings to a system that now offers wider opportunities for both children and adults.
The theme underscores the vital role education plays in shaping the nation’s future.
Decades ago, access to education in Guyana was often marked by significant hardship. Many children, both in rural and urban areas, were forced to share limited textbooks and study in overcrowded classrooms with cramped seating.
Opportunities for higher education were prohibitively expensive, leaving countless young people without the means to pursue further studies or achieve their aspirations.
Today, however, the landscape of education in Guyana is undergoing a remarkable transformation.
Under the leadership of President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali and the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) government, there has been substantial investment in the education sector.
Recognising the critical role of education in national development, the government has committed to and delivered on making education accessible and free, from nursery through to university.
Among the most notable developments is the launch of the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL), which has opened new doors for hundreds of thousands of citizens across the country who are seizing the educational opportunities it provides.
One such beneficiary is Reneka Stephenson, a participant in the programme, who shared with the media what it has meant to her.
“I learnt a lot, some things that I probably wasn’t very interested in at first, and now I intend on going into those areas,” she said.
“I’m very grateful that this programme is free, and I think that it will be something good because it will help me to be more recognised along with my other colleagues.”
Meanwhile, with 79 new schools built in the hinterland regions so far, and coupled with President Ali’s recent announcement of enhancements, including transportation provision and generators to improve electricity supply for schoolchildren, the government continues to demonstrate a clear commitment to inclusivity.
They are ensuring that no learner is left behind, regardless of geographical location.
Furthermore, the PPP/C has shown that its commitments extend beyond rhetoric by actively leveraging technology to bridge the educational divide.
This approach ensures children in remote interior regions have the same access to learning materials as those residing in coastal areas.
What is also pleasing is that these opportunities have not been limited to children and young people; they have expanded to include adults seeking new career paths.
Speaking with the media, Gazelle James shared her experience after completing a diploma in the Art of Cross-Examination.
“Well, I saw it was advertising, and I tried. I applied, and then I got through.
I was even surprised at how quickly I got through…When I got through, I told myself I wanted to complete this diploma, and here I am.
I think it’s a dream come true for many people, and it’s an opportunity of a lifetime because in many countries, I don’t think you would get this opportunity.
So, for those who are out there, and you want to do this programme, I’m letting you know now it’s a game-changer, and you definitely should take advantage of this privilege given to you.”
Roy Williams, another participant, reflected on his journey.
“Hi, my name is Roy Williams. I attended GOAL University. It’s actually free.
I did project management, and it was a very good course. A very good experience for the first time.
So, I would recommend that people who are looking for a different career or a different…path in life should go on their site, check out different courses.
For the President (Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali), it’s a good initiative, and continue doing the good work.”
For hinterland residents, these opportunities carry special significance.
According to Vanika Austin from Jawalla in Region Seven, “My experience with GOAL has been a very tough one, but it’s also a very good one because I haven’t done this before.
It’s my first experience, and I’ve learnt a lot, a lot of new stuff. The course I did is therapeutic massage, massage therapy.
I enjoyed it all, although it was tough for me; I had to overcome all of that, the difficulties.”
As Education Month 2025 unfolds, the stories of learners like Reneka Stephenson, Gazelle James, Roy Williams, and Vanika Austin serve as powerful reminders of how far Guyana’s education system has progressed.
From the challenges of the past to the expanding opportunities of today, education in Guyana has evolved beyond the basics of reading and writing.
It is now a transformative force, building futures, empowering individuals, and shaping the nation.
The continued investment in infrastructure, teacher training, and modern teaching methodologies reflects a clear commitment to placing education at the heart of national development.
