September marks the commencement of a new school year as well as the beginning of Education Month and this year the Education Ministry is going a step further with a first of its kind Education Exposition. The Expo is slated for September 14 through 16 at the D’Urban Park, Georgetown.
This year, Education Month is being observed under the theme “Education for a good life through innovation and STEAMS”. The month is a time for the Education Ministry to show off the achievements of its Schools as well as the work it has been doing over the years.
The Expo is the brainchild of Minister Nicolette Henry and according to Chief Education Officer Marcel Hutson, the idea is an exceptional one that allows them to showcase the work of the Ministry. Every sector of the Ministry has been asked to participate and showcase how they contribute to the development of education in Guyana. Additionally, the Expo would see the participation of international partners such as the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. The Organizations would be highlighting the work they have been doing in Guyana as well as actively engaging those visiting the event. The idea of the Exposition is to “touch every Guyanese and make them aware of what is happening in education,” Hutson said during a recent interview. He noted that the inter-agency participation is necessary since education is not about a person rather it is about everyone.
“We are looking to tap into everything. All the sectors of the Ministry of Education will be involved. From Nursery, Primary, Secondary, Georgetown Technical Institute, University of Guyana, CPCE and from all over. We have a number of entities and it is not confined to just the education sector,” Hutson said.
The Ministry is hoping that persons become more au fait with their work through interactions at the Expo. They are also hoping to use the opportunity to promote the idea of improving literacy as well as focus on Sciences, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics, Spirituality (STEAMS).
In the changing world and the increased dependency on technology, the Ministry has been increasing its focus on the sector with the hosting of a number of STEM fairs. Hutson said that is necessary since it only serves to push the education agenda
further. He hopes that patrons visiting the expo will be informed “historically, academically and socially” adding that the impact they are striving for is the importance of education.
Education Month has been a very important part of the MOE’s calendar as every year they strive to further develop the sector and further enhance the delivery. It is also a time where they brainstorm and engage the stakeholders on the development of the sector.
“It is our intention to promote education and showcase what we are doing in relation to education over the years because sometimes we sell ourselves short by not sharing the kind of information with the public. We are making strides and we are making those strides progressively,” Hutson explained.
Over the years, we have seen the celebrations move away from the routine participation of just only Education Officials and students to include all stakeholders inclusive of teachers. It has seen the introduction of the Teachers Jeopardy Competition as well as other activities. The hope is to make the Expo the star of this year’s celebration but also have a whole host of activities as a part of the celebration.
While the Ministry hinted at some of the activities which include the JOF Haynes Debating Competition, Steelpan displays as well as Music Festival they are yet to release the official calendar of activities. It is unclear when they would also be launching the month of activities.
For now, plans are well ahead for the expo as the MOE has been utilizing its Facebook page to keep patrons up to date. (Times Sunday Magazine)
