Guyana


 * Past PO Participants write about Guyana:**
 * K. Gabbert (2005)** - [[file:projectoverseas/K. Gabbert Guyana.pdf|K. Gabbert Guyana.pdf]]
 * D. Tessier (2006)** - [[file:projectoverseas/Tessier Guyana.pdf|Tessier Guyana.pdf]]
 * G. Logan (2009) -** [|http://photopeach.com/album/c4hl7l]
 * G. Logan & M. Hanson (2009) -** [[file:projectoverseas/Logan & Hanson.pdf|Logan & Hanson.pdf]]
 * NSTU article (2010) - [[file:projectoverseas/NSTU article 2010.pdf|NSTU article 2010.pdf]]**
 * J. Fenton (2011) - [[file:projectoverseas/Guyana 2011.pdf|Guyana 2011.pdf]]**
 * C. Walker (2015) - [[file:C. Walker.pdf|Guyana]]**


 * Gerald Logan Team Leader 2014**
 * Our team stayed at the Sleep Inn, main site as well as the second site. Breakfast was included and meals were suitable. Rooms were air conditioned at the main site. Central location so it was a short walk to most locations.
 * Teaching conditions vary by village. You will never fail if you expect to teach with what you have in your back pack. Many villages have no power during the day, and internet access is very slow if available at all. It is important to model teaching practices that they can implement in their classrooms. So it is my suggestion to teach with out your Computer, Projector and SMARTBoard.
 * I agree with Donna, the villages are cash only economies. In 2014 our bank cards did work to access cash, a change from 2009. Team leaders are advised to take large denomination travellers cheques. I was able to special order them from my bank, but do early.
 * Things that I took with me that worked well. Laminated chart paper and dry erase markers, this replaces poster paper for presentations(gallery walks and the likes). Cards for sorting people into groups and lots of other activities. Each village has a Dept. of Ed. office with a resource centre. I always leave my resource books there.
 * The Team Leader and the GTU Leader should contact the Dept. of Ed. to arrange a meeting. They have access to many resources and the teams may be able to use them. In 2014 this included Science Kits.


 * Tips from Donna Armstrong Team Leader 2010:**
 * **Temperature**: In Georgetown, the temperature was hot (high 30's) and humid. When it rains it is very sudden and it rains hard.
 * **Money**- It is best to bring American traveller's cheques and American cash. American money can be exchanged at the bank. In Port Kaituma (north) there wasn't a bank at all. Credit cards can be used in the high end stores (jewelery) in Georgetown but otherwise it is a cash based society.
 * **Accommodations -** In Georgetown, the capital of Guyana, participants stayed at The Zoom Inn. It is air conditioned and clean however check that the rooms have a locking door that leads to the street. The internet is available, short periods, at the front desk and there is an internet cafe down the street. Complimentary breakfast is included (eggs, toast, coffee).

In Moruca (2009) we stayed at Johnny's Guest house. The rooms were reasonable in size but there is no eating facility so meals and hot water have to be brought in by the GTU (G Logan TL 2009)
 * **Electricity**- In Georgetown the electricity outlets are 110volts and we were able to use all of our electronic devices. In Port Kaituma the electricity was on a generator which allowed us 12 hours of light, fans and a/c a day. Luckily it was negotiated to have the electricity during our morning and evenings. The school did not have electricity except for the cultural nights for which fuel was donated to have light for 3 hours. Port Kaituma Secondary School had a computer room but did not have the fuel for the generator so the computers sit idle.
 * **Standard of living -**Guyana has an undercurrent of racial discrimination that influences the lack of political, economic and social status for indigineous people. Due to corruption there is a gap between the rich and the poor. Without social supports the poor, often women and children, are vulnerable.
 * **Taxis**- There is a standard rate for taxis which should be negotiated before taking a ride.
 * **Entertainment**- In Georgetown there are several clothing stores and restaurants. . In Port Kaituma there are discos, discos and discos that go long into the morning without an apparent closing time! There is an internet cafe and telephone that has reasonable long distance rates. There are several denominational churches both in Georgetown and Port Kaituma. Keitur Falls is a tourist attraction that is worth the trip if you have time and money.
 * **Food -**In Georgetown there are several restaurants. The prices are reasonable and the Dutch Bottle restaurant is a must visit for a great meal. The restaurants choices are influenced by the ethnic groups that live in Guyana. You will find East Indian (curries), Amerindian (pepperpot), North American (hamburgers), Chinese and African dishes.
 * **Etiquette -**Dress is varied as the cultural and age groups have different dress and expectations. Although it is hot and humid it is best to dress conservatively as a respresenative of Canada. Handshaking is an acceptable greeting.
 * **Teaching** - Guyanese teachers who obtain their teacher training and master degrees often leave Guyana to go to other islands due to the higher salary. The government stated that last year they hired 400 teachers. With the 'brain drain' the government hired teachers who are 16-25 with little education and experience to replace teachers who are educated and have10-30 years of experience.

Lessons:** Overview of courses taught in Moruca 2009 (Administration, Language Arts, Mathematics, Science) - Administration Course Outline in Port Kaituma 2010 Admin