$350M Secondary School for Shulinab: A New Era for Hinterland Education
By HGP Nightly News
SHULINAB, REGION 9 – A major step toward closing the education gap in Guyana’s hinterland has begun with the official sod-turning ceremony for a brand-new $350 million secondary school in Shulinab, South Central Rupununi.
Minister of Education Priya Manickchand, who led the ceremony on Tuesday, described the project as part of the government’s broader commitment to ensuring equitable access to quality education, particularly in rural and indigenous communities.
“What we’re trying to do is a new model,” the minister explained. “Not build large schools where children have to be away from home for long periods without the guidance and love of their family.”
A New Model for Community-Based Education
Designed to serve approximately 250 students, the school will provide a much-needed solution for families in Shulinab and surrounding areas, where many students previously had to travel long distances or relocate in order to attend secondary school.
“For us, it’s about listening to what you need and making ourselves your servants so your children can grow up with the same opportunities as every other child in this country,” Manickchand said.
The school is expected to be completed by mid-2026.
Comprehensive Facilities, Transparent Procurement
In total, 20 contracts have been awarded for the development of the facility. These include construction of:
- Dormitories
- Sanitary blocks
- Teachers’ quarters
- Dining and kitchen facilities
- Water storage systems
- Electrical and mechanical systems
- Tarmac and perimeter fencing
- The main school buildings
The Ministry of Education confirmed that the contracts were processed through the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) in full compliance with Guyana’s procurement laws and regulations.
Decades of Disadvantage Being Addressed
According to a statement on the Ministry’s Facebook page, the Shulinab community—like many others in the hinterland—has experienced decades of limited access to education, especially secondary education. The situation, they noted, has persisted for nearly 30 years under successive administrations.
This new school seeks to reverse that legacy, offering students the ability to learn, grow, and thrive without having to leave their families or communities behind.
