A New Dispensation for Distance Education
Written by EDYOU FM Staff on January 25, 2026
Over the years, the Distance Education Unit of the NCERD has played a vital role in disseminating information and delivering supplementary learning content to students and the wider public. Historically, the former Distance Education and Information Unit (DIEU) was responsible for newspaper placements and other print-based, curriculum-aligned materials designed to support national learning objectives.
Children watching the Learning Channel on CH80.
The Guyana Learning Channel was established in 2011 and has since evolved into a dedicated medium for the Ministry of Education’s curriculum-aligned television content. Over the past five years, the station has undergone significant technological upgrades, including the introduction of digital broadcasting. This expansion has resulted in six television channels now available via cable and over-the-air broadcast.
The radio arm of the Guyana Learning Channel traces its origins to a recording studio that produced classroom supplementary materials and the widely recognised Broadcast to Schools programme. This service was later rebranded as EDYOU FM, which now operates as a 24-hour educational radio station with a presence in all of Guyana’s administrative regions.
Head of Distance Education Phillip Williams takes the Minister of Education, Hon. Sonia Parag, on a guided tour of the facility.
While the television and radio departments previously operated independently, a strategic decision was made in January 2026 to align these critical sub-units more closely. As part of this renewed approach, Phillip Williams, former Head of EDYOU FM, was appointed Head of the Distance Education Unit.
Staff of Guyana Learning Channel extending a warm welcome on behalf of the new Distance Education Unit.
The establishment of an interdepartmental management team, supported by shared planning and coordinated operations, is expected to drive greater efficiency and impact. This integrated framework positions the Distance Education Unit to more effectively fulfil its mandate under the Ministry of Education, strengthening the delivery of accessible, high-quality educational content nationwide.
