Programme to master reading by Grade Four launched

A presentation at the launch

In a bold move to address learning gaps and improve education outcomes across the country, the Ministry of Education on Wednesday officially launched its National Literacy Programme.
The event was held at the Pegasus Hotel, Georgetown and brought together educators, administrators, and stakeholders from all 11 education districts.
The programme, described by Education Minister Priya Manickchand as “historic in scale and deeply personal in purpose,” is designed to ensure that every child in Guyana can read and comprehend by Grade Four, with targeted support extending through Grade Six.
It will also include interventions for children with learning difficulties and out-of-school youth, especially in hinterland and riverine communities.
The initiative is backed by structured workbooks, teacher training, data-driven diagnostic assessments, and over 170,000 books already distributed to schools.
Educators across Guyana have welcomed the move. According to Sunita Durgah, Headteacher at St. Margaret’s Primary, the programme is long overdue.
“I know this programme is going to work,” she said, adding that “It’s not nice seeing children pass from nursery to secondary and not be able to read. We know they know the work, but because they can’t read, they can’t answer exam questions properly. This new programme helps both students and teachers, everything is there now, and we’re happy to start using the workbooks.”
Lynell Moffatt, a teacher at East Street Nursery, shared similar sentiments.
“This initiative is great. It’s going to help us dig deeper to work with our students. The materials give us more structure and guidance. Once we put our best foot forward, we’re going to see more coming out of our children.”
Meanwhile, Caren Charles, Headteacher of Albouystown Nursery, noted that the programme was piloted at her school earlier this year.
“It is an excellent programme. Our children have already started reading vowels and recognising phonetic sounds. My teachers are excited. I pray that every one of my learners leaves nursery knowing how to read.”
The ministry said full rollout of the literacy programme will begin on September 8, and it will be monitored closely using data collected from schools across the country.
Officials are optimistic that this large-scale, hands-on approach will not only raise literacy rates but also ignite a national culture of reading that begins in the classroom and extends to homes and communities.