The 2017 Convocation Ceremony of the American University of Peace Studies saw 30 graduates getting one step closer towards realising their careers in the field of psychology.
For the graduating class of 2017, it was years of hard work, numerous sacrifices and much commitment that brought them to this point — where they can now
A section of the AUPS graduating class of 2017
embark on their new journey as qualified professionals.
This was as the University on Thursday evening presented the outgoing students with their Bachelors of Science and Diploma in Phycology certifications.
Congratulating the graduates on behalf of the University’s Chief Executive Officer and Chairman was Lecturer Nadine McIntosh Ramsarran. In doing so, she relayed, “As we celebrate today, be grateful for all the support that you have received, and go out into the world a much better person, equipped with knowledge and skills, willing to share and contribute to the betterment of your communities and to our country.”
Social Protection Minister Amna Ally was present at the occasion to welcome this year’s graduating class to the noble and highly important profession.
In delivering the feature address, Ally pointed out the need for more mental health and social services experts in Guyana. She said to the graduates, “Your country needs you. Many of you are aware that there are numerous social ills that exist within Guyana. However, with the intervention of psychologists, I believe that we will see a decline in many of these social ills, which will lead to the empowerment of our people.”
She emphasised that the graduates have their jobs cut out for them, but posited that with the knowledge and skills gained during their time at the American University, she remains positive that the now certified Psychology majors will go on to make significant contributions in improving the lives of at-risk Guyanese.
Echoing similar sentiments was Doodmattie Singh, the Coordinator of Private Schools attached to the Education Ministry, who stated, “The demand for psychologists is greater now more than ever, and will continue to increase.”
Singh, in her presentation, underlined, “Too many of our children are having childhood experiences that can affect then in a negative way for life, and unless they are afford a platform where they can open up and sort with a trained and loving psychologist, those very experiences can impact (negatively) the next generation.”
Adding to that, she noted that threats such as suicide and abuse are still rampant in Guyana. With these considerations in mind, Singh called on the now qualified professionals to get to work immediately.
The 2017 graduation ceremony concluded on a high note with remarks from this year’s Valedictorians, who were named as Jennel Williams, Krystol Chanderban and Marieo Cheong; as well as the presentation of special awards.
The American University of Peace Studies is a private, comprehensive and research-oriented territory institution, which has been providing a solid academic foundation to Guyanese pursuing a career in psychology since its establishment in 2002.
At the occasion, it was revealed that the institution is currently expanding its services to better cater the future generations of Guyanese students.
