His Excellency President Dr Irfaan Ali underscored his Government’s commitment to constructing special needs education facilities in every region across Guyana.
During the recent commissioning of the Exceptional Learning Centre in Cotton Field, Region Two, the President reaffirmed his dedication to providing inclusive and equitable education for all children.
The school is the first of its kind in the region and is staffed with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) teachers trained to maximise learning at all levels. All current students have been officially diagnosed and have intervention plans to guide their education.
During the opening ceremony, President Ali emphasised the importance of providing greater opportunities and easier access to education for special needs children, stating that their fundamental rights to education would be further enforced and supported in an environment conducive to their development. He also announced that students would be provided with bus transport to and from the facility.
President Ali reiterated his government’s commitment to establishing “Centres of Hope” in each region. A similar specialised facility is under construction in Cummings Lodge in Region Four, and another will soon be opened in Region Three through collaboration between the Government of Guyana and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The President highlighted the integration of health services with these facilities to ensure that children receive monthly health check-ups at the school itself, reducing the burden on parents. This, he noted, is part of the Government’s service delivery motto aimed at making services less burdensome, less bureaucratic, and less costly.
President Ali also gave special recognition to the teachers working with special needs children, acknowledging the exceptional work they do. He assured that his Government is on a mission to ensure all teachers in Guyana are trained and have the opportunity to become graduates free of cost. Special needs teachers, he said, require unique qualities such as patience, love, and dedication, and their contribution is highly valued.
As the country continues to grow, President Ali affirmed that the lives of teachers will continue to improve. He emphasised the intangible satisfaction and elevated conscience that comes from their work and assured them of continued support.
The President highlighted that the construction of schools, training of teachers, and other investments in the school environment are all aimed at creating a holistic learning system. He stressed that the Government’s investment in inclusive education is a powerful tool in reducing poverty, disparity, and inequality, and is vital for economic empowerment.
The Exceptional Learning Centre was constructed through a partnership between the Government of Guyana and the Caribbean Development Bank’s (CDB) Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF).
