“Anansi” play energises students, but education system struggles despite increased spending

The Ministry of Education is staging “Anansi” at the National Cultural Centre. Produced by GEM’s Theatre Production, the performance brought to life the clever trickster of Africa and Caribbean folklore, captivating students with its humour, wit, and valuable life lessons.

On the opening day, the National Cultural Centre was filled to capacity, as secondary school students from Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Ten, and Georgetown flocked to see the play. The audience was drawn into the adventures of “Anansi,” the cunning spider who outsmarts larger and more powerful foes using his intelligence. Laughter and applause echoed throughout the venue as students enjoyed an engaging, dynamic performance that brought the beloved “Anansi” stories to life.

Anansi, who has been a central figure in Caribbean and West African folklore for generations, teaches important lessons about resilience, resourcefulness, and the consequences of one’s actions. These stories, originating from Ghana and carried to the Caribbean by enslaved Africans, serve as both entertainment and moral guidance. Now a core part of the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC®) English Literature syllabus, Anansi is an essential literary work for students.

The Ministry’s decision to stage this production would help students engage with the text beyond the classroom. Educator at the Ministry of Education, Mrs Ingrid Richards- Fung, stated that the ministry has long recognized the power of theatre in education. A similar initiative in 2024, contributed to an increase in the English Literature pass rate for CSEC®.

Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, has been praised for her efforts to make literature more engaging for students, with hopes that such initiatives will spark greater interest in the subject and help more students excel. Over the next day, students from across the country will have the chance to experience Anansi firsthand. Additionally, to ensure wider access, the Ministry has arranged for the production to be recorded and shared on its social media platforms.

However, despite the positive response to initiatives like the “Anansi” play, there are growing concerns about the overall state of Guyana’s education system.

In her 2025 Budget Presentation, Alliance for Change Member of Parliament, Beverly Alert, harshly criticised the state of education under Minister Manickchand’s leadership. She pointed out that while the government has significantly increased spending on education, the quality of education has continued to decline.

Government’s focus on building schools has not been matched by efforts to improve human capacity or create classrooms equipped with modern technology to enhance both teaching and learning.

Citing official budget data, Alert highlighted the alarming results of the 2024 National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) . She warned the government its refusal or inability to tackle the deficit constructively could lead to antisocial behaviours.

And while the Ministry of Education’s cultural initiatives like the Anansi play have garnered praise for engaging students and enriching their educational experience, the larger concerns about the quality of Guyana’s education system cannot be ignored.

Increased spending on infrastructure has not yet translated into meaningful improvements in academic performance. The focus must shift from simply building schools to enhancing human capacity, integrating modern technology into classrooms, and providing teachers with the tools they need to help students succeed. Until these fundamental changes are made, Guyana’s education system will continue to face challenges in providing the quality education its students deserve.