With financial support from The World Bank, the Ministry of Education, turned the sod today for the construction of a $421.2 million educational block at the St Joseph’s High School.

The multi-million project will be executed by Khemraj Nauth Incorporated, and when completed it will be able to accommodate 250 additional students.

The school currently has a student population of just over 500.

First Lady Arya Ali, who is a former student of the school, said the construction of the new block at the school signifies the Government’s commitment to education and the advancement of the nation’s children.

“This investment exemplifies our dedication to strengthening the education sector and ensuring that every child has access to quality learning environments that foster excellence and inspire achievement. This new annex set to accommodate an additional 250 students prioritizes investments in the minds, talents and aspirations of our nation’s greatest resource, our children,” the First Lady said.

The First Lady joined the Minister of Education, Sonia Parag and the Minister within the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport, Steven Jacobs along with the World Bank’s Senior Education Specialist Lauren Marston for the sod-turning event.

The Education Minister said the project forms a major part of Government’s mission to increase access to education.

“His Excellency has a wider vision for this country than merely placing students in an extension, an annex or a classroom. It is a wider vision to create access to education where there was none by building out infrastructure in many of our hinterland communities as well as well as our rural communities,” the Education Minister said.

Parag said by the end of this year, Guyana would have achieved universal access to secondary education with the completion of several schools.

Principal of St Joseph’s High School, Tulsidai Raghubansi said the school is one step closer to realizing a project that was in the pipeline for many years.

Expressing the school’s appreciation to the Government of Guyana and the World Bank, Ms Raghubansi said the project signals Government’s commitment to expanding access to quality education in the country. 

“The new two-story annex will encompass an impressive 22,360 square feet upon completion and will accommodate an additional 250 students. This expansion will reduce overcrowding and will provide our students with space they need to learn, collaborate and strive as students of St Joseph High. The facility has been thoughtfully designed to meet the needs of the 21^st century and will include 10 classrooms, a Physics and Biology Lab, and Allied Arts room, Clothing and Textiles Classroom, Home Management classroom, a sick bay, counseling room, a staff room and modern washroom facilities for both students and teachers,” the Principal explained.

Meanwhile, the World Bank’s Senior Education Specialist said the project stands as a testament to what is possible when financial resources are paired with global knowledge, rigorous standards, and a shared commitment to quality.

She said Guyana has repeatedly demonstrated its will to invest in its people, particularly in the Education Sector, and the World Bank is pleased to support it.  

The project is scheduled to be completed within 10 months with a deadline of April 2027 set.

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