His Excellency President Ali on Sunday in his address to the nation underscored several initiatives implemented by the government of Guyana to better the lives of teachers, both personally and in their work environments. President Ali highlighted that his administration has implemented several requests put forward by the teaching population just a few months prior.
In the area of professional upskilling and mobility, he stated that this was made more accessible through the Goal Scholarship program which allowed 38,000 educators to receive scholarships. He highlighted that Education programs at the University of Guyana are scheduled after school hours to better facilitate teachers. The President stated that several measures were put in place to ensure “rapid promotion” within the teaching profession. He reported that senior promotions will be done in two cycles annually and a teacher after six years of service will be promoted to a Senior Assistant Mistress or Master Position.
The President identified numerous initiatives implemented that makes the working conditions of teachers better. Some of which included the reduction in classroom sizes, incentives and grants for educators and schools in “remote areas.” Further, he reported that some 3.1 billion Guyana Dollars was budgeted for school grants which will allow schools the ability to govern themselves and meet their respective needs.
In the area of better wages, the president mentioned that the current administration has adjusted the salary scale for all teachers and increased the stipend collected by CPCE teachers. Further he reported that measures are being put in place to allow lowered interest rates that will allow teachers the opportunity to own their own homes.
The President asserted that his administration is on the “side of people and workers” and is committed to making the lives of Guyanese prosperous. According to the president, the implementation of these programs demonstrates that the government has the people’s back.