Guyana’s newly appointed Education Minister, Sonia Parag, is signalling a shift in the nation’s education strategy, highlighting the importance of parental involvement and the development of well-rounded students alongside academic achievement.
In her first interview since assuming office, Parag said she wants her legacy to produce citizens who are “not just academically based” but “wholesome human beings.”
She stressed that her approach aims to prepare students for life, not just exams.
A key component of her plan is the newly launched nationwide physical education, sports, and recreation programme, which dedicates two hours every Friday for schoolchildren to participate in organised activities.
“It is to get kids out there…getting up and moving, being part of an activity that is going to move them however little to a closer, healthier life,” Parag explained.
The Minister also emphasised that meaningful reform requires partnership with families.
She pledged to listen to parents’ concerns while advancing government policies.
“So while we have visions and ideas of our own for the education sector, we will also listen to the parents,” she said.
The government has expanded direct financial support to families.
The ‘Because We Care’ cash grant will increase to $100,000 per child, and a new $100,000 transportation grant will be introduced, bringing total support to $200,000 annually per child.
Parag said these interventions aim to “ease the burden off parents” and ensure children remain in school.
“Our children…are the most important human resource that we have,” she said, promising to commit “100 per cent” of her energy to shaping an education system that prepares them to meet the demands of the future.
