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The A-level system left over from the British era
has all but disappeared and is now offered only in a few schools
(current as at January 2007).
The reason for the insufficient focus or various
disciplines can be directly attributed to the common choices made
by students to specialize in areas that are similar (math/chemistry/physics
or geography/history/economics). With the removal of the old A-level
system that encouraged this specialization, it is thought that it
will be more attractive[citation needed] for students to broaden
their studies.
There are wide disparities among the geographical
regions of the country in the availability of quality education,
and the physical facilities which are provided are in poor condition.[citation
needed]
Further adding to the problems of the educational
system, many of the better-educated professional teachers have emigrated
to other countries over the past two decades, mainly because of
low pay, lack of opportunities and crime. As a result, there is
a lack of trained teachers at every level of Guyana's educational
system.
There are however several very good Private schools
that have sprung up over the last fifteen years. Those schools offer
a varied and balanced curriculum.
[edit] Health conditions
One of the most unfortunate consequences of Guyana's economic decline
in the 1970s and 1980s because of the rule of the PNC (People's
National Congress) was that it led to very poor health conditions
for a large part of the population. Basic health services in the
interior are primitive to non-existent and some procedures are not
available at all. The U.S. State Department Consular Information
Sheet warns "Medical care is available for minor medical conditions.
Emergency care and hospitalization for major medical illnesses or
surgery is limited, because of a lack of appropriately trained specialists,
below standard in-hospital care, and poor sanitation. Ambulance
service is substandard and may not routinely be available for emergencies."
Many Guyanese seek medical care in the United States, Trinidad or
Cuba. |
