The Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) rolled out its first phase of scholarships for 2023 with scores of residents from Kato, Kurukubaru, Mahdia, and Paramakatoi signing up for scholarships during an outreach on Friday, according to a Department of Public Information release yesterday.
The outreach allows persons without formal qualifications to pursue their studies in the programmes offered.
The release pointed out that the government aims to award 20,000 online scholarships to Guyanese during their first five years in office. To date, over 13,700 scholarships have been awarded since the programme’s inception in 2021.
Public Service Minister Sonia Parag and Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai journeyed to the far-flung communities to inform residents about the programme and assist them in their application process. Director of GOAL, Dr Jacob Opadeyi, was also present to render assistance. During her address to residents of Paramakatoi, Minister Parag noted that over 200 Region Eight residents were awarded scholarships since the programme was rolled out.
However, in 2022 there was a decrease in applications from the region. She encouraged attendees to make use of the opportunity to better themselves, and their communities while contributing to national development.
“You have to be able to be progressive in your own mind, moving forward, always wanting to do better, wanting to do more. That’s how a country evolves not only by building, the people have to move with the country… There is no limit to what you can do and you shouldn’t limit yourself.”
Although these are just certificate programmes, Minister Parag explained that the certificates will pave the way for persons to pursue their degrees.
She also promised to speak with Prime Minister Mark Phillips to see how quickly the ICT hubs can be connected to the internet.
Parag emphasised that the government is committed to closing the educational gap between hinterland and the coast, to ensure Amerindians take part in national development.
GOAL is a collaborative effort between the Education and Public Service ministries to prepare Guyanese for opportunities that are available, as Guyana undergoes a massive transformation, the release added.
