Construction commences for Guyana’s first hearing-impaired school
The Ministry of Education has made a historic leap toward inclusive education with the launch of Guyana’s first dedicated school for the deaf.
The Honourable Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, turned the sod today at Cummings Lodge, marking the beginning of construction for this landmark facility.
“This school is a testament to our government’s dedication to inclusivity and equal opportunities for all learners,” Minister Manickchand remarked during the ceremony.
The $194,472,570 project, awarded to Superior Supplies and General Construction through a public tender process, is scheduled for completion in nine months.
The school will accommodate 30 learners who are deaf, providing a supportive environment that embraces and promotes deaf culture. Beyond its role as a school, the facility will also serve as a resource hub for deaf youth, fostering personal development and community connections.
The initiative reflects the Ministry’s commitment to addressing the diverse needs of learners. The Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) has also incorporated deaf education into its curriculum.
Deaf youth in the SEND program are now teacher candidates, with additional programs offered by CPCE’s Disability Studies Department to train educators interested in teaching learners who are deaf.
The ceremony also honored Ms. Sabine McIntosh, Director of the Deaf Association of Guyana, for her more than a decade of contributions to the sector. With its construction now underway, the school represents a pivotal step in Guyana’s journey toward creating an inclusive education system.
