A reflection on primary education in the Rupununi in the 20th Century

By Mrs. Joakina Fredericks, Pioneer Teacher, Shulinab Village

In the early 20th century, Christianity played a vital role throughout the length and breadth of the Rupununi Savannahs. It was during those times the Catholic Priest Fr. Cary Elwes SJ, well-known as the founder priest, was very active throughout the villages of South Rupununi.

All the time he believed that with proper education the people would be able to understand better how they could all benefit and develop them-selves as well as their villages respectively. Fr. Cary Elwes fell short of his great plans because of severe illness. He died shortly after and then he was replaced by another English Priest Fr. Bernard McKenna. Fr. McKenna, a man very devoted to his Catholic faith, thought that bringing pioneer teachers from Santa Rosa Catholic Mission in the North West would be a good idea in promoting primary education, as well as Catholicism in the Catholic Schools throughout the Rupununi. He was finally granted the permission by Bishop Lester Guilly, now all deceased.

For each village in the South Rupununi a teacher was placed in charge of every school: I begin with Achawib, the first pioneer teacher was Mrs. Martina Rodrigues; Karaudarnau’s first pioneer teacher was Mr. Alexis Atkinson, Aishalton’s first pioneer teacher Mr. Salvador Atkinson; Awarewanau Mr. Lawrence La Cruz, Maruranau  Mr. Patrick Abraham, Shea  Mr. Basil Rodgrigues, Sand Creek Mr. Cyril Rodrigues, closely followed by Mrs. Carol Viera, the daughter of the first Amerindian Parliamentarian the Hon Stephen Campbell; Sawariwau  Mr. Manuel Rodrigues, Shulinab known as ‘Macushi village’ Mr. Brown and Mrs. Joakina Fredericks who is now 85 years old and was present at the grand opening of the new Church at Sawariwau.

The beautiful church structure is a landmark that the young generation will continue to remember.

Sawariwau village, the only staunchly Catholic Village in Region #9, has shown us the example that united we remain very strong, divided we fall. Let us follow in the footsteps of this wonderful village.