The Government of Guyana has made significant strides in enhancing special education in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) with the inauguration of the Exceptional Learners’ Centre in Cotton Field—the first of its kind in the area. This $94 million facility is dedicated to supporting children with special educational needs, offering an inclusive environment equipped for specialised assessments, personalized interventions, and adaptive resources aimed at students with conditions such as autism, intellectual disabilities, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, fragile X syndrome, and sensory impairments.
During the commissioning ceremony, Dr. Keon Cheong, the Assistant Chief Education Officer (Special Education Needs), underscored the critical role such institutions play in ensuring equitable learning opportunities. “Education is a fundamental right that should be accessible to every child, irrespective of their abilities,” he asserted. He acknowledged the efforts of Minister of Education Priya Manickchand in promoting special education throughout the nation, noting that the government’s initiatives in this area began in 2020 with consultations aimed at improving support for learners with disabilities.
By 2021, with the support of the late Chief Planning Officer Mrs. Evelyn Hamilton, an action plan was established to incorporate special education into Guyana’s overarching Education Strategic Plan. This plan resulted in several key developments, such as the implementation of screening and intervention programs, the establishment of an interdisciplinary assessment facility, and a partnership with the Ministry of Education in Jamaica to enhance curricula for students with intellectual disabilities.
Dr. Cheong also pointed out that these initiatives have led to significant improvements in accessibility, teacher training, and the availability of specialized resources. “The Ministry of Education has hired its first speech therapist, provided adaptive furniture, and increased access to educational settings for learners who were once excluded,” he noted. He further detailed that the number of specialized learning spaces has expanded from 13 in 2018 to 27 by 2022, not including additional schools for the deaf and other future projects.
In his address, President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali reaffirmed the government’s dedication to special education, stating that the new centre symbolizes a promise kept by his administration. “We made a commitment to you in 2020 that we recognize your commitment to your children. Today, we demonstrate that you can trust us not only to listen but to produce tangible results,” the president remarked. He emphasized that the centre will provide children with special needs a conducive environment for educational growth.
President Ali also recognized the determination of special needs teachers, acknowledging the unique challenges they face. “Special needs educators require not just skill but also immense patience, love, and dedication. That is why we’ve invested in specialized training through the GOAL Scholarship Programme,” he explained. He pointed out that teachers now have the opportunity to pursue advanced degrees, including postgraduate diplomas and master’s degrees in special education, enhancing their capability to support their students.
Beyond the realm of special education, Dr. Ali highlighted the government’s broader vision for transforming the education sector. He announced plans to introduce the One Guyana Digital School, an AI-driven platform designed to assess individual student capabilities and create personalized learning programs to enhance their skills. “This initiative is not solely about providing digital education; it’s about leveraging technology to revolutionize how we foster each child’s learning journey,” he articulated.
The Head of State also revealed that transportation will be provided for students commuting to and from the Exceptional Learners’ Centre, facilitating their access to education. Additionally, he mentioned that medical services would be available on-site, eliminating the need for students to travel to clinics for care.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Minister of Education Priya Manickchand, Minister of Finance Ashni Singh, Regional Chairperson Vima De Silva, and other regional officials.
