Dr. Jeffrey praises the work of SSRP
Kaieteur News
July 16, 2004
Education Minister Dr. Henry Jeffrey has praised the work of the Secondary School Reform Programme (SSRP), especially its contributions to infrastructural and curriculum development.
The (SSRP) facilitated extensive infrastructural works at a number of schools, including four multilaterals that were rehabilitated or rebuilt.
“I have no doubt that it has contributed to the system,” Dr. Jeffrey said. He added, “What it has not been able to do, for one reason or another, is to make the system manage itself better.”
This he said will be the focus of the Ministry as it continues to emphasise good management in the education system.
Among the schools to which the SSRP facilitated repairs and reconstruction are the New Amsterdam Multilateral School at a cost of $23M; Corentyne Comprehensive High School at a cost of $24M; Friendship Secondary School at a cost of $16M; Covent Garden Secondary; Charlestown Secondary; and Anna Regina Multilateral.
Some of these projects encountered setbacks because of variations that had to be done after construction work had started.
This often result in additional costs not budgeted for.
The SSRP also implemented the National Third Form Examination. This is a diagnostic examination that allows for an analysis of students to determine who are ready to move forward and those who need remedial works.
The programme also contributed significantly to curriculum development in the education system.
Among these is a curriculum on Career Education.
Recently, training was facilitated by SSRP to guide teachers to infuse career education into other subject areas.
SSRP came into being in 2000. It operated on an initial $55M budget that was later increased. Dr Kenneth Hunte headed the programme.
Minister Jeffrey lauded the efforts of Dr Hunte, especially his work in emphasising effective management and maintenance of the education infrastructure and systems.
The programme comes to an end in August.