Opposition Member of Parliament (MP), Dineshwar Jaipersaud today advocated for significant revisions to Guyana’s Education Act Chapter 39:01. His primary call was to extend compulsory education to age 16.
Jaipersaud highlighted a critical issue in the current system, where a 15-year-old can opt out of school due to the existing compulsory education age range. The MP proposed collaborative efforts to reform the Education Act in this regard, ensuring that all children in secondary school have the opportunity to complete their secondary education.
Annually, 4500 to 6000 children drop out of school, a problem attributed to poor administrative policies related to compulsory education. Jaipersaud argued that by extending compulsory education to age 16, an additional two to three years in school could significantly reduce the dropout rate.
In his address, the MP also stressed the potential impact on the lives of thousands of children. “This move will ensure that 4 or 5 or 6000 of our children remain in school, making them eligible and marketable, thus changing their lives and the lives of their families,” he said.
Jaipersaud also addressed the monetary challenges faced by students, particularly those who commute from distant locations. Despite welcoming the government’s 45,000 Because We Care cash grant, he highlighted the substantial costs associated with attending school. The MP proposed implementing systems to provide free transportation for all students or, alternatively, providing financial support to those traveling.
The Opposition MP also urged for a holistic approach to education reform, emphasizing the long-term benefits of keeping young people in school and creating a more inclusive and accessible educational system.
