To continue enhancing education and skills training in Guyana, the government has approved 7,782 scholarships through the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL). Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and the Public Service, Dr. Ashni Singh, made the announcement today, noting that successful applicants will be notified via email in the coming week.
This latest wave of scholarships comes just two weeks after the graduation of the second cohort of GOAL students, which saw 1,712 individuals receiving their qualifications in a diverse array of disciplines, including master’s and degree programs. The initiative is part of the government’s broader commitment to boost the nation’s educational capacity in line with its ambitious economic diversification and growth strategies.
The GOAL program, an educational initiative launched under the leadership of President Mohamed Irfaan Ali, has already exceeded its initial target. The government had pledged to offer 20,000 online scholarships, a goal surpassed with nearly 21,500 scholarships granted by the end of 2023. This initiative highlights the administration’s dedication to making education accessible and enhancing the skill set of the Guyanese workforce.
“The success of the GOAL program is a testament to its positive reception among thousands of Guyanese who have seized the opportunity to advance their education and skill sets,” said Dr. Singh. He emphasized that the GOAL scholarships are a critical component of human capital development, aimed at creating a well-educated and skilled workforce to drive the nation’s rapid development.
The recent graduation ceremony at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre celebrated the achievements of the second batch of graduates. These individuals, hailing from various regions, including remote and hinterland areas, proudly marked their academic milestones.
Dr. Singh elaborated on the broader impact of the GOAL initiative, stating, “GOAL provides Guyanese with the flexibility to pursue higher technical and tertiary education through online learning. It offers a wider range of training options and helps to create an environment where every individual can explore the myriad opportunities that are emerging as our country continues to develop rapidly.”
The GOAL program’s focus is on enhancing the educational qualifications of Guyana’s population, thereby fostering a more competent and fulfilled labor force. The government’s ongoing efforts to invest in education were also showcased through other initiatives, including the recent launch of the “Guyana-Coursera Platform.” This initiative, rolled out in March, aims to train approximately 50,000 individuals across various sectors, further extending the government’s national training agenda.
In addition to online learning programs, the administration has implemented various measures to support education at multiple levels. These measures include annual cash and uniform grants for school children, cash grants for teachers to procure classroom supplies, and significant investments in school infrastructure. The government is also addressing the financial burdens faced by students and their families. A notable example is the recently introduced Student Loan Write Off Program, which aims to alleviate $11 billion in student loan debt for over 13,000 Guyanese.
This approach to education investment is backed by substantial financial commitment, with $135.2 billion allocated to the education sector in this year’s budget.
