Overview of the Hinterland Scholarship Programme

The Hinterland Scholarship Programme was introduced in 1962. The first six (6) students were those who had written the Common Entrance Examination and performed creditably. They were awarded places at Secondary Schools in the capital city, Georgetown, hence scholarships were offered annually to outstanding performers.

The need for the older students to be trained in Technical, Vocational and Tertiary skills was evident, thus, the number of scholarships awarded annually was increased in 1966. Scholarships were offered to the Government Technical Institute, the Carnegie School of Home Economics and the Guyana School of Agriculture.

Scholarships were offered to Hinterland students attending the University of Guyana in 1986. Since the Public Service Ministry (P.S.M.) offers scholarships to students desirous of attending University, a decision was taken in 2000 not to sponsor these students but to have them apply to P.S.M.

In 1976 the Amerindian Scholarship Programme was renamed the Hinterland Scholarship Programme to cater for the children of mixed parentage or non-Indigenous living and working in the Interior.

Presently, approximately eighty scholarships are offered annually and a number of students who are experiencing financial difficulties, once these are verified are offered assistance. Approximately two hundred and ninety-five (295) students are on the Programme annually and another twenty (20) receive assistance. This amount includes students attending institutions in Guyana’s ten (10) administrative regions.

Various Government Ministries were responsible for the Indigenous Scholarship Programme.

Eligibility

Originally, students who wrote the Common Entrance Examination, then it was called the Secondary Schools’ Entrance Examination (SSEE) and obtained 470 – 479 marks or 83.3 % were awarded a Regional Scholarship, that is, to attend Secondary school in their respective Regions if there is a school or may opt to attend in a neighbouring Region. Those who gain more than 480 marks or 85.1% qualify to attend Secondary schools in Georgetown.

With the introduction of the National Grade Six Examination and continuous assessment were 5% and 10 % of the total marks of the Levels 2 and 4 exams are accumulated and added to the Level 6 examination which is 85 % of the marks. Hence, the student will need to obtain 83% and 85% of the total marks to earn a Regional and National Scholarship respectively.

The older students between the ages of 15 – 18 years, especially those, who due to the unavailability of Secondary Schools in some communities or regions, in the past and did not have access to a “higher secondary education,” must apply to the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs for a scholarship to attend a Vocational or Tertiary Institution. Such as Guyana Industrial Training Centre, Carnegie School of Home Economics and Craft Production and Design Division and the Government Technical Institute. Courses range from Electrical, Plumbing, Carpentry, Mechanic and Welding among other course, to pursue studies

To pursue certificates and diploma course at the Guyana School of Agriculture, the Burrows School of Art and the Government Technical Institute, applicants must have at least three (3) or more Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) subjects. All applications should be accompanied by recommendations from the Toshao, Head Teacher, Community Development Officer or any other person of good standing in the Community.

Goal

Assist and motivate the students to aspire their educational, social and cultural potentials.

Objectives

  • To ensure the safety of all Scholarship Students in order for them to achieve their optimum rounded potentials.
  • To make financial arrangements for the maintenance of students.
  • To enroll, monitor and evaluate performance regularly, while encouraging participation in national and other extracurricular activities.

Benefits

  • Monthly Pocket Allowance of $4, 000 except for August
  • Monthly Guardians’ Allowance of $16, 000
  • End of term Dorm Allowance of $13,500
  • Annual Uniform Allowance $10, 000
  • Refund Registration cost
  • Refund Transportation cost for National Awardees
  • Paid returned transportation cost for August Vacation
  • Payment of CSEC/CAPE fees
  • Medical assistance for services not available at Public Hospitals
  • Assistance for overseas trips once selected.

Hinterland Scholarship Students’ Dormitory

On September 03, 2010 the Dormitory was commissioned and on January 2, 2011 students took up residence. Students who receive National Scholarships to attend school in Georgetown are accommodated at the Dormitory if they are not awarded the President’s College. However, some parents asked that students remain with them or relatives, in Georgetown. Students at the Dormitory are cared for by House Parents, a Nurse, Cooks, Cleaners and a laundress. Transportation takes the students to and from school, and they are involved in extra curricula activities among other events. They receive the same allowances as those who live with relatives.

Guardians

A number of persons are paid by the Ministry as guardians of scholarship students, who they board and lodge while they are attending schools in the Regions or in Region 3. Some students in the Regions remain with their parents or relatives and over the years a few parents have moved to Georgetown to take care of their children, if they do not want them to stay at the dormitory. The Community Development Officers (CDOs) and some regional staff assist tremendously with the payments and some monitoring.

2016 SELECTIONS

 National Grade Six Assessment                 67

Technical Institutes   60

CAPE                  12

TOTAL              139

Twenty four (24) students are currently receiving assistants.

2016 CSEC

84 Students wrote 841 Subjects

701 students passed with Grades 1-3 = 83.3%

CAPE

9 Students wrote 45 subjects

38 passed with Grades 1- 4 = 84.4%