The indigenous community of Yupukari is on the verge of a transformative breakthrough in education with the construction of a new secondary school block. This eagerly awaited project was announced by the Honourable Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, during her visit to the site on Saturday, November 23.
Designed to directly benefit 60 students from Yupukari and neighboring communities such as Quatata and Kaicumbay, the new school block addresses a long-standing challenge for students who must currently travel great distances or live in dormitories at St. Ignatius Secondary School to pursue secondary education. This initiative promises to ease the burden on families and create an environment where students can thrive academically while remaining close to home.
Toshao of Yupukari, Russian Dorrick, welcomed the project with gratitude on behalf of the community, emphasizing its significance. “This initiative is timely because we have over 170 primary school children in the village. With the government prioritizing education in Yupukari, we are truly moving forward. This project will open doors for progress and growth in our community. We are deeply thankful to the Ministry of Education and the government for their unwavering support,” he said.
Minister Manickchand highlighted the government’s comprehensive approach to improving education, noting that the initiative goes beyond the construction of the building. She emphasized the importance of teacher training, providing essential classroom furniture, and ensuring ongoing evaluation of teaching standards to create a sustainable and high-quality learning environment.
“In addition to building the school, we will train the teachers who will serve here. We will ensure classrooms are fully equipped and commit to monitoring how well students are being taught. This is about building a complete system that ensures every child receives the education they deserve,” the Minister explained.
The Minister also noted the broader impact of the project, stating, “This school is more than just a structure; it represents opportunity, progress, and hope. By reducing overcrowding at St. Ignatius Secondary and eliminating the long, exhausting journeys for students, we are creating a future where education is more accessible and families can focus on empowering their children to succeed.”
Valued at $22.5 million, the project has been awarded to contractor Clyve King after a transparent bidding process overseen by the National Tender Board Administration. Construction is expected to begin immediately and will be completed within a year.
The new school block is part of the Ministry of Education’s broader mission to bridge the gap between coastal and hinterland education systems. By investing in infrastructure and equal access to learning, the government aims to create a level playing field where all children can reach their potential, regardless of their location.
This development has generated excitement among parents, teachers, and community members, who see it as a pivotal step toward advancing Yupukari’s education system and building a brighter future for their children.
