‘Short Fridays’ Initiative Launches Nationwide to Boost Physical Activity in Schools

Public schools across Guyana will now dedicate Friday afternoons solely to physical education (PE), sports, and recreational activities under a new programme called ‘Short Fridays.’ This initiative, led by President Irfaan Ali in partnership with the Ministry of Education and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), is being introduced in both primary and secondary schools.

The introduction of sports in schools dates back to the administration of Forbes Burnham’s People’s National Congress (PNC), though it was criticised by the then-opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP). When the PPP took office in 1992, the emphasis on sports within education was significantly reduced. Today, sports in school are a reboot of what successive PPP governments sought to kill.

The goal of ‘Short Fridays’ is to promote healthier lifestyles among students while nurturing qualities like discipline, teamwork, and well-rounded personal development. The programme also encourages children to reduce screen time and adopt more physically active habits.

Each Friday from 1:45 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., students will engage in a variety of structured sports and activities, which include basketball, cricket, football, volleyball, archery, table tennis, golf, gymnastics, aerobics, chess, novelty games, and dance. The range of activities may vary between schools.

Supporting this effort, the GDF will offer technical and logistical assistance to PE teachers to ensure smooth implementation. This collaboration underscores a broader commitment to developing the whole child—mind and body—not just focusing on academics.

Students participating in ‘Short Fridays’ must wear their physical education uniforms, as casual clothing like jeans, leggings, or shorts will not be permitted.

Physical education is essential for children’s growth, offering benefits that extend beyond physical health. It strengthens cardiovascular fitness, muscle power, balance, and coordination, while also supporting cognitive functions like memory, concentration, and decision-making.

Regular exercise in school helps maintain a healthy weight and reduces the risk of chronic illnesses such as type 2 diabetes and hypertension later in life. It also fosters emotional well-being and social skills by promoting teamwork and leadership.

Research shows that PE can positively impact mental health by lowering anxiety and stress levels and boosting self-esteem and academic performance.

With childhood obesity on the rise globally, PE programmes have become more important than ever. According to a statement by the Ministry of Health referencing the World Obesity Federation, 15.7% of children aged 5 to 19 in Guyana are projected to be obese by 2025.

Promoting consistent physical activity and active lifestyles from an early age remains a vital strategy to protect public health and prevent obesity-related health issues in the future.