Students in Region Nine will now have greater access to secondary education through the commissioning of two new secondary schools in Yupukari and Katoka.
Schools are also being constructed in Karasabai, Tabatinga, Maruranau, Nappi, and Massara. These, along with the newly commissioned schools in Yupukari and Katoka, represent the addition of seven secondary schools within the last five years in a region that previously had only four.
This development will create 2,500 new secondary school places, giving students the opportunity to progress from Grade Nine to CXC, and eventually on to university—opportunities that were previously unavailable to children in these areas.
Yupukari Secondary School will serve approximately 200 students from Yupukari and neighbouring communities such as Fly Hill, Quatata, and Kaicumbay. Meanwhile, Katoka Secondary will cater to the children of Katoka and the nearby satellite community of Sa-mo-ni.
These schools will significantly reduce the need for students to travel long distances or reside in dormitories at St. Ignatius Secondary School in order to access secondary education.
Prior to the opening of the schools, President Irfaan Ali met with members of the community, where he emphasised the importance of ensuring that every child is given equal opportunities.
Students within the communities welcomed the new schools with open arms and heartfelt gratitude.
The commissioning of these facilities reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring that no child is left behind. It is part of a broader strategy to eliminate educational inequities between the coastland and hinterland regions.
