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In a display of concerning leadership, Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, evaded responsibility for the failure to implement UNICEF recommendations regarding dormitory improvements throughout Guyana, instead shifting the blame onto “Relevant Parties.” According to an article in Stabroek News, Manickchand claimed that “Relevant parties were informed about the UNICEF report on dormitories.” However, the reality is that Regional Education Officers, who were likely sent the reports, often encounter obstacles when requesting action from the handpicked Regional Executive Officers appointed by the PPP government. Unfortunately, these influential political appointees frequently exhibit a lack of initiative.
A recent UNICEF report published nearly one year before the May 22 Mahdia dormitory fire which killed 20 school children brought to light the distressing state of school dormitories in Guyana. The assessment, which covered all 24 school dormitories across the country, exposed a plethora of deficiencies, including management system inadequacies, lack of resources, behavioral issues, and major staff shortages. Most alarmingly, the report highlighted the absence of fire protection systems, posing a grave threat to the safety of students residing in these facilities.
Despite these dire findings, the Ministry of Education seemingly ignored the report’s recommendations, perpetuating an environment of neglect and apathy. The recent revelation that the ministry returned millions of dollars unspent from its 2022 budget raises serious concerns about the government’s misplaced priorities and a gross dereliction of duty towards the safety and well-being of students.
The UNICEF report specifically highlighted the need for fire prevention and safety measures, including the installation of smoke detectors and regular fire drills. It emphasized the importance of training students and staff in fire safety procedures, the use of fire extinguishers and evacuation protocols. Shockingly, despite the urgent need for these measures, the Ministry of Education failed to take appropriate action, exposing students to unnecessary risks.
The report also shed light on the poor conditions endured by mostly hinterland children in these boarding schools. Overcrowding, inadequate ventilation, substandard sanitation facilities, and insufficient bedroom furnishings were just a few of the issues highlighted by the students themselves. The lack of recreational facilities and the plea for internet access further underscore the dire state of these dormitories.
The dormitory caregivers echoed the concerns, stressing the need for better safety and health measures, improved recreational facilities, and access to computers and the internet for educational purposes. Yet, their pleas seemed to have fallen on deaf ears, as the Ministry of Education made no move to provide a safe and conducive learning environment for these vulnerable students.
This alarming revelation demands urgent action and accountability. The Ministry of Education must take immediate steps to address the deficiencies identified in the UNICEF report and ensure the implementation of proper fire safety measures. It is imperative that the government allocates adequate resources and prioritizes the well-being of students across the country.
Furthermore, this gross dereliction of duty calls for a serious examination of the leadership within the Ministry of Education. Those responsible for ignoring the warning signs and failing to take action should be held accountable for their negligence. The safety and future of Guyana’s students should never be compromised due to a lack of care or misplaced priorities.
