By Rennie Parris

Welcome back to Talking Dollars & Making Sense. Today, we’re shining a spotlight on a group that’s often overlooked but holds incredible potential: the young men and women who drop out of secondary school. As part of our ongoing National Development Plan under the Human Capital & Innovation pillar, we believe it’s time to give these young people a second chance to build successful, fulfilling lives. We’ll explore the challenges they face, share some ideas on how to help them thrive, and introduce a proposal for a new initiative called The Guyana Leadership Academy (GLA).

Why Focus on School Dropouts?

According to the Ministry of Education’s 2021–2025 Education Sector Plan, only 50% of a given secondary school grade survives to the final grade. Even more alarming is the disparity in completion rates between males (39%) and females (62%). When half of our young people leave the classroom before graduation, we’re essentially cutting Guyana’s talent pool in half. This isn’t just a problem for the students who drop out, who will face limited job prospects and reduced earning potential, it’s also a huge loss for the country. Remember, Guyana has the fastest-growing economy in the world, as noted by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). If we want to keep pace with our own growth, we must ensure that every citizen can fully participate in and benefit from the country’s progress.

A Second Chance: The Guyana Leadership Academy (GLA)

We can’t ignore the fact that dropping out can happen for a host of reasons, family challenges, financial constraints, lack of support, or simply not seeing the relevance of traditional schooling. With that in mind, the proposed Guyana Leadership Academy aims to give these students a fresh start.

How would GLA work?

Envision a hybrid facility that includes both a day-school program and a boarding-school option for students who need a more stable environment. Participants would focus on remedial academic work to fill gaps in their foundational knowledge, alongside life skills, leadership development, and hands-on experiences that show the practical side of learning. Think budgeting lessons, group projects, and creative arts—anything that brings education to life.

Here’s an exciting bonus: GLA would help match students with internships or entry-level positions in local businesses, offering a steppingstone into the workforce. Faculty members would provide written recommendations for program graduates, ensuring that employers see them as serious candidates who are ready to contribute.

The Power of a Stipend

Money is often a big hurdle for students who have dropped out; they may need to work to help their families or cover personal expenses. To tackle this, the GLA could offer a step-up monthly stipend to help participants manage day-to-day costs. Imagine starting at $5,000 per month, then increasing by $5,000 each month, up to 12 months. This approach not only offsets some financial burdens but also acts as a powerful motivator. With each increase, students see a tangible reward for their persistence and progress in the program.

Learning from Others

If we want GLA to succeed, we should study the best practices from similar programs around the world. Take, for instance, YouthBuild in the United States, where disadvantaged youth combine classroom learning with construction training, rebuilding their neighborhoods as they rebuild their own lives or look at the model of apprenticeship programs in places like Germany, where students gain valuable work experience while finishing their formal education.

By taking the best elements from these successful initiatives like strong mentorship, a clear curriculum focused on real-world skills, and robust industry partnerships, we can build a tailor-made solution that addresses Guyana’s unique context.

Why Human Capital Matters

Now, you might be wondering: “How does this all tie into national growth?” In simple terms, human capital means the collective skills, knowledge, and experiences that people bring to the table. When you invest in people like helping them finish school or gain specialized training, you make your entire society stronger. Skilled workers attract new businesses, innovative ideas spark new industries, and a more educated population can better navigate challenges and seize opportunities. Human capital is an essential ingredient in Guyana’s long-run growth recipe, ensuring that prosperity is both widespread and sustainable.

The Ripple Effect of Empowerment

 When a young person re-enters the educational track and develops marketable skills, the impact extends beyond one individual. Families benefit from more stable incomes and better financial management. Communities benefit from leadership projects and volunteer work carried out by newly energized students. Employers gain access to a talent pool that’s eager, trained, and ready to work. The country gains a workforce that’s better equipped to support growth, innovation, and sustainability. It’s a domino effect of success.

Making It Happen

Naturally, turning this vision into reality requires careful planning, sufficient funding, and strong partnerships between government agencies, private-sector allies, and community organizations. The GLA should be viewed not as a last resort but as a welcoming, dynamic place to learn, grow, and reimagine the future.

Conclusion

The Guyana Leadership Academy can be a life-changing initiative for students who’ve slipped through the cracks. By offering a structured, supportive program with real-world applications, we can help them rejoin the education system and step confidently into adulthood. More importantly, we’ll build the human capital that Guyana needs to keep pace with our astonishing economic growth. After all, a rapidly growing nation is only as strong as the people who power it.

Thanks for tuning in to Talking Dollars & Making Sense. Let’s continue working together to ensure all Guyanese can achieve their full potential and, in doing so, secure a brighter future for every one of us.

Related posts:

Talking Dollars & Making Sense: The Need for a Paradigm Shift in Learning Talking Dollars & Making Sense: Elevating Guyana’s Teaching Profession Talking Dollars and Making Sense: Strengthening Guyana’s teaching profession Talking Dollars and Making Sense: Designing A National Development Plan for Guyana