The Zara Group of Companies has donated a fully equipped computer lab to the Government Technical Institute (GTI). The new lab, unveiled on Monday, features 30 modern computer systems designed to enhance educational opportunities for GTI’s students.
This donation comes two years after the opening of the $200 million Ken Subraj-Zara Technical Centre, which already houses a range of advanced facilities, including multipurpose classrooms, a specialised oil and gas training room, a laboratory, a recreation hall, and administrative offices. These resources aim to better equip students with the technical skills needed to thrive in Guyana’s rapidly developing economy.
Dr. Ritesh Tularam, Deputy Chief Education Officer for Technical Education, spoke on behalf of the Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, highlighting the importance of public-private partnerships in improving access to education. He praised the Ken Subraj-Zara Technical Centre as a model for collaboration, underscoring the role it plays in enhancing the quality of technical education in the country.
“I want to position the Ken Subraj Centre as a prime example of how public-private partnerships drive development. Two years ago, GTI and the Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the Government of Guyana, received a state-of-the-art facility that has advanced our mission to deliver quality, relevant technical education. We remain committed to fostering these partnerships to ensure that our institutions, students, and ultimately, the people of this country, continue to benefit,” Dr. Tularam remarked.
Ken Subraj, President of Zara Realty Holding Inc., addressed the students directly, encouraging them to take ownership of their education and pursue opportunities for self-improvement.
“It’s not going to come to you just like that. No one is going to come to give you all the knowledge just like that. You have to want to do it. No one is going to force it upon you, you have to want this education. No one is going to come and pour it down your ears, and if you can find that person who will do that, I want to meet him,” Subraj said, urging students to seize the opportunity for success.
Tiffanie Charles-Persaud, Acting Principal of GTI, emphasised the significance of the new lab in preparing students to excel in emerging industries such as oil and gas. She highlighted how Guyana’s economic growth, particularly in the oil sector, has created a demand for skilled professionals, making the development of the technical workforce at GTI crucial.
“This is a vision that will equip our students with essential skills needed to drive Guyana’s booming economy. The development of this industry holds promise for sustainable growth and prosperity for our country. Yet, this growth would be incomplete without the skilled workforce that can support and lead it, and that is why our role at GTI becomes paramount,” Persaud remarked. “The opening of this computer lab represents a significant step in meeting the growing demand of Guyana’s economy, particularly in the rapidly advancing field of technology.”
The Ken Subraj-Zara Technical Centre continues to serve as a hub for technical education, with this latest donation marking another milestone in its mission to equip Guyanese students with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the workforce.
