2023 Int’l Children’s Day: BayelsaPRIME was launched to improve learning outcomes among our children, says Governor Douye Diri

The Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri has noted that BayelsaPRIME, a basic education reform programme of the government was launched to improve the learning outcomes of children in the state.

The governor made the remark while affirming his commitment to the development of young people at the 2023 International Day celebration in Yenagoa.

Governor Diri who was represented by the Honourable Commissioner for Education Dr. Gentle Emelah noted that “We initiated BayelsaPRIME, an innovative, technology-driven reform programme in public primary schools in the state, through which we are building a very solid foundation upon which other structures in the educational system will stand.

BayelsaPRIME was launched across 220 primary schools in Bayelsa State in early 2023 to improve teaching and learning in state-owned primary schools. So far, over 2,000 teachers have been trained and equipped with tablets to enable them deliver more impactful lessons. Over 37,000 children in four local government areas now benefit from the reform.

The Governor additionally noted that his administration has remodeled several schools across the three senatorial districts and continues to pay huge amounts as West African Examination Council fees so no child is left behind on account of economic adversity their parents may encounter.

While admonishing young people to focus on positive behaviour capable of helping them reach their full potential, the governor also noted the role that parents, and guardians play in molding the character of their children.

The event was attended by Dr. Christopher Evrudjakpor, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education; Diepreye Abidekan, Director, Science, Technical and Higher Education, Bayelsa Ministry of Education, Powei Otrofanowei Director, Primary and Teacher Education, Bayelsa Ministry of Education as well as children and school officials drawn from various schools across the state. It featured march-past, games and other exciting activities.