The People’s Republic of China today handed over a cheque for USD$86,000 to the Ministry of Education (MoE) as part of a USD$231,000 grant gifted to the Government of Guyana (GoG) by the Peoples Republic of China. The grant will be disbursed in three tranches with the first tranche of funding to the tune of USD$95,000 already disbursed to the Education Ministry earlier this year, the Department of Public Information (DPI) has reported.
The handing over ceremony for the disbursement of the second tranche was held in the MoE 26 Brickdam Boardroom and was attended by officials from the Chinese Embassy and officials from the MoE.
At that ceremony Minister of Education Nicolette Henry, in her remarks, expressed appreciation on behalf of the GoG and President David Granger. Minister Henry explained that the grant was a gift to President Granger who requested that the funding is utilized by the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) to improve its science programmes and facilities at that institution.
Additionally, she said that such a posture by the People’s Republic of China demonstrates the strong partnership and bilateral relations that exist between the two countries. Added to that, the Education Minister believes that the grant will assist in the development of the nation’s citizens and the advancement of the education sector.
In proffering remarks, Charge d’ Affairs, Counsellor of the People’s Republic of China Mr Chen Xilai said that he is satisfied with the implementation of the project. The official also said that he was elated to see that CPCE is already acquiring the necessary science equipment and supplies to assist with the science programme at that institution.
The items that are being procured includes human body cubes, models of functional heart, triple beam balances, thermometers, water distilling equipment, orbital system, electrolysis, Bunsen burners, and chemicals. These are expected to be delivered in the last week of this year with the cost for that purchase to be offset by the first tranche of funding.
The two parties have already started discussions for the finalizing a date next year for the disbursement of the final tranche (USD$50,800), DPI said.
