One hundred and thirty-two students from across Guyana will be trained in the development of artificial intelligence software and leadership skills.

Under the Spark programme, students from the secondary and tertiary institutions will engage in eight-week-long training programmes that will be supported by two overseas-based Guyanese who work in the field.

The two, Dr Jason Mars and Dr Dennise Hilliman want to see more Guyanese develop skills in leadership and artificial intelligence. The two will be working along with the National Centre for Educational Resources Development NCERD.

At the launching of the programme, Minister of Education Priya Manickchand said that while the current curriculum does not expose students to this level of teaching, schools in future will benefit.

She lauded the initiative as one that will assist in the growth of students.

“We see it as a duty and as a state to give you the platform and the circumstances and to give you the environment to make you flourish and grow and be all that you can be for yourself and for your family and for this world” Minister Manickchand said

The Minister said it is now becoming even more critical for students to do more than just pass exams. She believes learning new skills and knowledge remains key to their development.

“So, the ideal child we see exiting the secondary sector should be competent not only in academics but in a sport, in an instrument, in another language, in volunteerism and in TVET Subjects, competent as opposed to passing CXC. So, we are not talking necessarily about writing them at exams but we are looking for a rounded individual who can take up this space you are given in the world, own your space be creative, create and pass on some of this goodness to the rest of the world.” Minister Manickchand added.

The Spark programme, according to the organizers, will feature two sections of learning from a standpoint of leadership.

It will also feature the artificial intelligence aspect of things, where students are going to be exposed to building artificial intelligence software on new platforms.

One of the facilitators and organizers, Dr Dennise Hilliman, said while there is a need for technology, there is also the aspect in which persons must ensure that it does not harm the society while also creating good leaders.

“I know that one of Guyana’s digital transformation goals is to capture the development of ideas and technology, and that’s really good. Our goal with Spark is to support that by sparking creativity in everyone to power new innovation”

Dr Hilliman also noted that when the programme comes to an end, students will be in a better position to create.

On the side of artificial intelligence, Dr Jason Mars explained that artificial intelligence technology has been with the world for many years, yet Guyana has not truly benefitted from the industry.  He is hoping that the new initiative will change that.

The programme will not depend on any funding from the Ministry of Education or the Government.

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