Abrams Champions Improved Early Education as the Foundation for STEM’s Contribution to National Development

In a April 10th episode of the Guyana Business Journal with hosts Dr Terrence Blackman and former Ambassador Riyad Insanally, STEMGuyana Director Karen Abrams outlined a revised vision for  STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) which included a new emphasis on early childhood education, aiming to bridge the gap in literacy and numeracy that hampers student progression through the educational pipeline. Abrams emphasized the urgent need for a strong foundation in these areas to propel Guyana forward, especially in the face of the burgeoning oil economy and the broader imperative for national development.

Abrams started her discourse by shedding light on the critical early stages of education, drawing attention to the disparity in literacy and numeracy among nursery school students across Guyana. “50% of the kids in the coastal regions attained approaching mastery in literacy, and 53% in numeracy,” she noted, pointing out an even more pronounced gap in hinterland regions. This early educational shortfall, according to Abrams, sets a significant portion of the population at a disadvantage, undermining their potential contributions to key sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, and technology.

The STEMGuyana Director also highlighted the socioeconomic impacts of early education, likening it to programs like Headstart in the United States, which aim to give vulnerable children an equitable start. “Learning sticks to learning,” Abrams remarked, advocating for parity between coastal and hinterland learners and a concerted focus on improving early exposure to literacy and numeracy to enhance school readiness and break cycles of poverty. “Parents must also be involved in this process”, Abrams said.

Addressing the role of STEM in national development, Abrams argued for the diversification of the economy and the need for a skilled workforce to support sectors critical to Guyana’s growth. “The diversification of the economy is important, we need more doctors, nurses, Geologists, Agriculture Engineers, Civil Engineers, Urban Planners,Technicians and so many more STEM professional than just coders.  We have to channel more of our young people into these roles so that we can strengthen and diversify our economy and prepare our young people for higher paid careers,” she stated, also stressing the importance of innovation and technological advancement spearheaded by STEM-educated individuals.

Amidst this vision for educational reform, Abrams candidly acknowledged the challenges faced by STEMGuyana, from sponsorship issues to the need for greater collaboration with governmental bodies. She pointed out the necessity of aligning efforts to foster an environment conducive to innovation and progress, lamenting the slow pace of bureaucratic processes that sap energy and stifle creativity of innovators.

Despite these hurdles, Abrams remained optimistic, buoyed by the increasing support from parents, the diaspora, and local sponsors. She underlined the pivotal role of community involvement and the promising response to STEMGuyana’s initiatives, from expanding STEM clubs to integrating artificial intelligence and agricultural technology into the curriculum.

In her closing remarks, Abrams called for a united effort to improve social and academic preparation for the early learners so as to better prepare them for improved academic outcomes as they progress though the K-12 pipeline. “We have to work together to more effectively prepare our children for the demands of a rapidly evolving world.  Our work supports government programs; we do not compete with government programs. We are here to work with all partners in the best interests of all of the nation’s children,” she affirmed, emphasizing STEMGuyana’s commitment to complementing the MOE’s national educational strategies.

Through her passionate advocacy and pragmatic approach, Karen Abrams not only highlighted the challenges facing Guyana’s educational system but also charted a path toward a brighter, more inclusive future powered by STEM. Her call to action resonates with the collective aspiration for a developed, technologically adept Guyana where every child has the opportunity to thrive and contribute to the nation’s prosperity.

Watch entire episode here