Dear Editor,
Before diving into Budget 2026, particularly in the sector of education, let’s review some of the promises that were made in the 2020 manifesto and fulfilled. The PPP/C’s 2020 manifesto came with a long list of promises for education, and honestly, they got a lot done between 2021 and 2025. One big promise? Every child should get free, quality secondary education. So, the Government didn’t just talk. They expanded the school uniform voucher program, handed out free uniforms and textbooks, and really took the pressure off families. Kids from all walks of life could show up to school.
Building and fixing schools was another major focus. The Government poured money into new schools and renovated the old ones, not just in the cities but out in rural areas too. Overcrowding eased up because they finished quite a few new primary and secondary schools, especially in places that really needed them. They also set out to modernise the curriculum.That meant more technical and vocational courses, plus a bigger push for STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. The Ministry of Education got serious about this, adding new tech and trade courses in secondary schools and opening more training centres across the country.
Feeding students was on their list as well. The school feeding programme grew, reaching more schools, especially way out in remote regions. More kids got better meals and, with that, a better shot at learning. Teachers weren’t left behind either. The Government created more chances for them to upskill, especially with technology in the classroom. The Teacher Professional Development Programme got a boost, and partnerships with international groups brought in new workshops and digital training.
Tech in education was another promise, and it really mattered, especially when COVID-19 hit. The Government handed out laptops and tablets to teachers and students, mostly in rural areas, which helped schools switch to online learning almost overnight.
Money-wise, they kept their word and increased the education budget during these years. A big chunk of that went into building and fixing schools and also into getting digital education off the ground, especially where people needed it most.
For higher education, things improved too. More scholarships and subsidies were rolled out, and the Government teamed up with overseas institutions. They even launched a new subsidy programme for students going into fields crucial for Guyana, like health, education, and engineering. The University of Guyana saw more funding and support so it could grow.
Kids with disabilities saw real change as well. The Government started new inclusive education programmes, added resources, and trained teachers so they could support students with special needs. And finally, technical and vocational training really took off. More students signed up, especially in fields like oil and gas, construction, and agriculture, thanks to new training centres and partnerships with industry.
Looking back, the PPP/C didn’t just make promises about education; they delivered on a lot of them. And as we have already noted, promises made in the 2025 manifesto in education are already being fulfilled. Let’s keep the momentum going!!!