To alleviate overcrowding issues, the Campbellville Secondary School in Georgetown is set to undergo an extension project estimated at $90 million. This announcement was made by Minister of Education,
Priya Manickchand during a press conference held yesterday at the National Centre of Educational Resources Development (NCERD).
Minister Manickchand addressed concerns raised regarding Grade Eight students at Campbellville Secondary having to attend half-day sessions for several months. She attributed these issues to overcrowding, which has been exacerbated by ongoing construction projects in the Georgetown District.
“With six schools down, we had overcrowding, and rotations had to happen in some schools. It’s not the most desirable place to be, but it is what had to happen in the absence of space in the classrooms,”she explained.
The minister highlighted several key reconstruction projects underway that have contributed to the current overcrowding. Among these is the North Ruimveldt Secondary School, which is nearing completion, and St. Mary’s Secondary School. which is undergoing extensive renovations to enhance their facilities.
One of the most notable projects is the reconstruction of St George’s High School, which was severely damaged by a fire in 2022. The rebuilding process is now 75 percent complete according to Manickchand. Similarly, the Christ Church Secondary, which was destroyed by a fire in 2023, is also under reconstruction with works currently 35 percent finished.
Noting that prefabricated materials has expedited the construction process Manickchand said, “Because some of it is prefab offsite, you could change from 35 to 80 per cent in a week, because you brought your prefab stuff and put it up.”
Both St. George’s High School and Christ Church Secondary are on track to be ready for the upcoming school year, which will significantly ease the current strain on student accommodations.
Minister Manickchand also mentioned the recent completion of extensions at several other schools in the region, including Queens College, East Ruimveldt Secondary, St. Winefried’s Secondary and The Bishops’ High School. These extensions she said, have provided additional space, allowing these institutions to better accommodate their student populations.
The expansion of Campbellville Secondary School which was founded in 1999 is part of a broader initiative by the government to improve educational infrastructure across Guyana. Manickchand said that by investing in school facilities, the government, aims to provide a conducive learning environment for all students and ensure that disruptions caused by overcrowding are minimized.
As construction projects continue and new facilities become available, students, parents, and educators alike can look forward to improved conditions and a more enriching educational experience in Georgetown and beyond.
