Guyana’s PPP/C government has made substantial investments in education from 2020 to 2025, totaling over $608 billion. Significant infrastructure projects have created new school spaces and reinstated essential programs like the Because We Care Cash Grant. Furthermore, free tertiary education became a reality, while TVET has expanded significantly. Overall, these initiatives mark a major step forward in enhancing the nation’s educational landscape, driving social mobility and development.
Education and training stand at the forefront of Guyana’s developmental trajectory, a sentiment strongly expressed by Dr. Randy Persaud, Professor Emeritus and an adviser in the Office of the President. In societies like Guyana, upward social mobility is largely driven by education and training. Despite political parties often making lofty promises, history reveals that those promises frequently go unfulfilled. The prior APNU-AFC administration, for instance, often finds itself criticized for failing to deliver on its educational commitments, particularly as compared to the current PPP/C administration.
Between 2020 and 2025, the PPP/C government has invested significantly in education—over $608 billion, dwarfing the $209 billion spent by its predecessor in the previous term. The focus has been on a broad range of educational initiatives, aiming to enhance infrastructure, training, and support services, which is quite promising. There has been a significant increase in school infrastructure, with 25,000 new spaces created, alongside new nursery, primary, and secondary schools constructed.
Furthermore, the government allocated $36 billion in 2025 alone for the construction of additional schools to meet growing demands. The revival of the Because We Care Cash Grant, reinstated after its suspension by the APNU-AFC, stands as another key indicator of the government’s focus on education. This initiative now provides $55,000 in total support for 205,000 students, which underscores the government’s recognition that children cannot learn effectively if they are hungry.
Since the PPP/C assumed office, the National School Feeding Programme has seen student participants climb from just under 27,000 to 37,000, marking a notable increase of 38%. Additionally, a new National Breakfast Programme was launched, extending its coverage to students from grades 3 to 6 in several regions. These initiatives are not just numbers; they reflect an effort to combat hunger in schools and ensure that more children receive nourishment while pursuing their education.
Aside from direct financial assistance, the government has been spending heavily on educational materials, with over $8 billion put toward textbooks since taking power. Looking ahead, another $2 billion is set for educational resources in 2025. The introduction of free tertiary education has also become a reality since 2020, with substantial investments made at the University of Guyana and vocational institutions that have freed students from tuition fees, amounting to over $13 billion.
Access to teacher training has also greatly improved. The expansion of the Cyril Potter College of Education has allowed teachers across regions to obtain their certification via online courses. The increase in trained teachers is evident, rising from nearly 8,000 in 2020 to about 12,900 in 2024, with additional graduates expected soon. Furthermore, a significant initiative has made CXC examinations free for secondary students, which removes a financial barrier that previously hindered examination participation.
The Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) highlights another success, having awarded nearly 30,000 scholarships across multiple fields. This is a remarkable milestone that few countries achieve. In Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), the achievements are equally substantial, with increased access now available at 74 secondary schools, alongside initiatives aimed at building quality training facilities.
Partnerships between the government and private sector have been instrumental, with projects like the Oil & Gas Training Centre offering critical training in various technical areas. The Facility Simulator at Tain is emblematic of innovation in training, providing students the chance to prepare for high-demand careers in offshore oil and gas sectors. Graduates from these programs are reportedly entering high-paying jobs rapidly.
There are clear, verifiable achievements within Guyana’s educational landscape since the PPP/C administration took charge in 2020. Promises have not just been fulfilled—but exceeded. The nation is witnessing a well-equipped and more educated populace now than five years ago, setting a foundation for further advancements. The trajectory is clear—education and training are paving the way for Guyana’s future development.
Guyana’s educational landscape has witnessed significant transformation under the PPP/C government, which has prioritized investment in education and training since 2020. With increased funding, the introduction of various programs, and successful partnerships with the private sector, the administration has not only fulfilled its promises but exceeded them. The focus on making education accessible and affordable is anticipated to continue driving social mobility and economic development in the country. Guyana’s commitment to improving education evidently contributes to its growth, ensuring a well-trained populace for years to come.
Original Source: demerarawaves.com
