In Region 2 (Pomeroon–Supenaam), access to education is being significantly improved through the provision of reliable river transportation for schoolchildren in remote riverine communities. With dozens of newly commissioned school boats and river taxis now in operation, students are arriving to class safer, faster, and more consistently than ever before.

For many families living along the Pomeroon River and other inland waterways, transportation has long been a barrier to regular school attendance. In some areas, children had to depend on private boats, makeshift canoes, or long walks to the nearest dock before even beginning the trip to school. These daily journeys, often over long distances, were not only physically demanding but frequently unsafe—especially during the rainy season or when river conditions became rough.

The introduction of new, government-provided school boats represents a major step forward in addressing these challenges. These vessels, fitted with safety equipment and operated by trained personnel, are now ferrying students from their riverbank homes to schools across the region. The initiative is more than a logistical improvement—it’s an investment in long-term educational outcomes, helping ensure that all children, regardless of geography, can access the classroom (Ministry of Education; Department of Public Information).

Parents in these communities now express greater confidence in sending their children to school. The boats operate on scheduled routes and are maintained to strict safety standards. This consistency has already translated into higher school attendance rates and reduced dropout levels in several interior areas. Teachers are also reporting improved punctuality and attentiveness among students who previously arrived late or tired after long commutes (Ministry of Education; Department of Public Information).

While the investment in riverine school transport may appear modest compared to other infrastructure projects, its impact is both immediate and far-reaching. Education delivery in remote areas depends heavily on access—and for river-based communities, boats are the only viable means of regular transport.

This initiative aligns with broader national goals of ensuring inclusive education and bridging the rural-urban divide. By enabling students to travel to school safely and consistently, the government is not just providing transportation—it is strengthening the foundation for equitable learning opportunities (Ministry of Education; Department of Public Information).

In Region 2, the sight of uniformed children boarding sturdy river taxis each morning now stands as a visible reminder of progress. For these students and their families, it marks the difference between being left behind and moving ahead—one boat ride at a time.