One free exercise book per term

A SENIOR official at Guyana Printers says the lack of paper due to a shortage of foreign exchange has temporarily put a halt to production of exercise books.

He disclosed that the Education Ministry has an order for 700,000 books and officials are considering approaching the Guyana National Newspapers Ltd., (GNNL) in an effort to acquire some newsprint to print exercise books.

A previous change from bond paper to newsprint did not go down well with some students who complained that they could not use liquid ink (fountain pens) as the newsprint rapidly absorbs it and blots. Students also complained that the paper was easy to tear and erasing was nearly impossible. “Besides that, if the book got wet all your notes are destroyed.” one pupil remarked.

The source at GNPL disclosed that the printery had, sometime in 1984, purchased one of the most modem and expensive exercise book making machines in the Caribbean “which is now lying idle.”

Parents say their children receive one exercise book per school term and so they are forced to buy foreign made books for $6.00 to $7.00.

The distribution of free exercise books in schools began in 1976 when government declared its policy of free education. As the years went by the numbers distributed gradually decreased to the present figure of one pet term.