GEORGETOWN, Guyana – The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has approved a US$90 million loan to contribute to human capital development in Guyana.
The loan is designed to expand access to safe and improved learning environments and enhance educational services for vulnerable students across the country Guyana, and is the first individual operation of a conditional credit line for investment projects (CCLIP) valued at US$150 million.
Under the loan, six new primary schools are to be constructed along with upgrades to 19 schools in Hinterlands regions (1, 7, 8 and 9) by improving physical and digital facilities to meet 21st-century standards.
The IDB said the loan also seeks to modernize the physical infrastructure of Guyana’s schools, which is considered a key driver for improving attendance rates, motivating teachers, and elevating learning outcomes.
“Recognizing the critical role of quality teaching in developing 21st-century skills, and the main determinant for student learning and skill development, the program places emphasis on the continuous professional development of teachers to improve their teaching of 21st-century-skills and child-centered pedagogies”, the IDB said.
Under the agreement, there will also be the strengthening of the Ministry of Education’s capacity to deliver improved educational services to vulnerable students and those with special education needs and disabilities (SEND).
There will be the development of a language policy that will guide interventions for indigenous students in the future and an inclusive education policy.
The project will benefit more than 8500 primary education students and their respective communities through its interventions.
The newly constructed schools will provide 2,610 new primary education spaces, and at least 7,341 students and 352 teachers from grades 2-6 will receive digital devices to support their teaching and learning.
