Tuschen, Region 3 – Earthmovers dig foundations beside a cane field that, a decade ago, marked the edge of settlement. Today the Tuschen-Uitvlugt corridor hosts 20,000 people and counting, making a new G$600 million secondary school not just desirable but urgent.
Tackling Overcrowding
At present, Lenora and Zeeburg secondaries run double shifts, compressing lessons. “We sacrifice elective subjects to fit the timetable,” admits Headmaster Rajesh Singh. The three-storey Tuschen Secondary—800 places, 25 classrooms—aims to change that.
Design Features
Architect Shane Ramotar touts the green credentials:
- 200 kW rooftop solar array feeding the national grid.
- Rainwater harvesting for toilets and irrigation.
- Wide east-west corridors for natural ventilation, reducing A/C demand by 40%.
- Smart boards and 1:1 student-tablet ratio.
Community Integration
A covered multipurpose court doubles as disaster-relief shelter. Evenings will host adult-literacy classes and a small-business incubator in partnership with the Small Business Bureau. “Schools must serve communities 16 hours a day, not just 8,” says Education Minister Manickchand.
Construction Workforce
Builder JR Construction hired 180 workers, 60% under 30. They attend weekly safety sessions; zero lost-time injuries so far. The project spurs local micro-enterprises: food carts, welding shops, and lumberyards.
Timeline and Accountability
Completion target: September 2025. A four-person citizen oversight group posts monthly drone photos and expense sheets online. “Taxpayers can see if walls are actually going up,” notes oversight chairwoman Alicia Tappin.
Bigger Picture
Tuschen Secondary is part of a G$12 billion nationwide push to eliminate shift schools by 2027, funded by oil revenues and the World Bank. For young residents like 13-year-old Samira Mohamed, it means a shorter commute and full-day school life. “I’ll finally get to join the science club,” she says.
