A landmark 1,502 teachers graduated from the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) on Friday, marking the second-largest cohort in the institution’s history.
The event, venued at the National Stadium in Providence, showcased graduates equipped to teach across early childhood, primary, secondary, and technical and vocational education (TVET) levels.
This year’s graduates included 447 teachers specialising in early childhood education, 602 in primary education, 169 in secondary education, 251 in secondary vocational TVET, and 33 in technical teaching. With an impressive total enrollment of 1,818, CPCE achieved an 83 percent matriculation rate.
Fiona Sharma, awarded the title of best graduating student, expressed her appreciation for CPCE and the government’s support. “We are forever grateful to the CPCE and the government… knowledge, of course, is power,” she remarked, noting the importance of continued educational opportunities.
Rhea Sandy, a teacher at the Beterverwaghting Special Needs Centre, shared how her training has impacted her teaching.
“Everything that I have learned… I have put into practice in my classroom, and I have seen a lot of difference,” she stated. Similarly, graduate Edwin Nurse expressed hope that his achievements would inspire future educators in transforming the lives of youth in Guyana.
Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips delivered the keynote address, emphasising the government’s dedication to supporting teachers in their vital societal role. Minister of Education Priya Manickchand echoed this sentiment, applauding the graduates for their contribution to reducing class sizes and improving educational outcomes nationwide.
“[You] are our value… adding to each and every classroom that you will stand before from now until you leave the teaching profession,” she remarked, emphasising the positive impact of new teachers on student-teacher ratios across the regions.
Region-specific improvements reflect the successful integration of newly trained teachers into the education system.
In Region One, the addition of 88 teachers this year will reduce the primary-level student-teacher ratio from 46:1 to 32:1, with further reductions anticipated next year. At Santa Rosa Primary, the number of trained teachers will nearly double, from 15 in 2022 to 28 in 2024.Region Two will welcome 461 new teachers, improving the ratio from 16:1 to 13:1 for its 6,192 primary school students.
Similarly, 83 new teachers in Region Nine will reduce the student-teacher ratio from 33:1 to 22:1, benefiting over 5,900 primary students. In Region Three, 63 new nursery teachers will support 3,582 young learners, while Eccles Nursery in Region Four will see an increase from eight to 18 teachers.
Further expanding its educational scope, CPCE has introduced courses in music, literature, special education needs, and health education within its TVET programmes, while physical education offerings are being expanded to coastal and hinterland centres.Police Officers Graduate from Inaugural Andragogic CourseMeanwhile in a historic first, thirteen police ranks also graduated from CPCE’s Andragogic Principles and Practices course.
This innovative programme, designed to enhance adult learning, equips officers with skills tailored to train and mentor within the Guyana Police Force. After two years of rigorous training, the graduates are prepared to apply these principles in their roles, fostering a culture of continuous learning.
The graduating officers include Constable Timothy Doris, Sergeant Elijah Carruthers, Sergeant Melinda Thomas-George, and Corporals Colin Ross, Keifer Small, Jamal Branco, among others. Sergeant Kareem Hoosein, recognised as the best graduating student, highlighted the importance of evolving educational practices, stating, “Together, we can create an environment that fosters innovation, leadership, and above all, a dedication to the pursuit of excellence.”
