Entry into UG, CPCE expanded with GOAL ’s SCQF certificate – Manickchand announces

…as 1450 persons complete programme

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF), currently offered under the GROW programme through the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL), is now being accepted as eligibility for entry into the University of Guyana and the Cyril Potter College of Education.
Education Minister Priya Manickchand made the announcement on Tuesday at the National Cultural Centre, as she addressed the graduation ceremony for students who completed the programme.

Earlier, these persons could not have commenced studies at UG or CPCE, but this is about to change.
Now, other universities are also willing to collaborate to accept such qualifications, she added.
“I want you to know that it doesn’t stop here. We have been feverishly working…and very pleased to report that the University of Guyana will be accepting the SCQF as eligibility to enter. The Cyril Potter College of Education will be accepting SCQF as eligibility to enter.”
“I’m reporting today that other universities are saying to us ‘let’s work together to make this SCQF and the GED that we are doing eligibility for entry into their universities across India, Europe, the West Indies,” the Minister informed.
Over the course of two years, 1450 persons successfully benefitted from the SCQF programme. This a breakdown of 568 persons in 2022 and 882 persons in 2023. Out of this number, 88 per cent have already started their university journey.
Manickchand lauded the graduates for taking the opportunity when it was new to the country.
“All of you took the opportunity offered and it was brand new at the time. You trusted us and you came onto the programme and today, you are graduands. Today, you are giving yourself a whole new life, a whole new opportunity. I am very pleased to report that 88 per cent of you have already entered a university.”
According to the Minister, the aim is to build the lives of Guyanese so that they can thrive and adequately support their families.
“Two years ago, that was not possible. Two years ago, you didn’t dream of entering university because you didn’t have the eligibility criteria or the qualifications. You sit here as testimony of what can happen when people believe in you,” she expressed.

Valedictorian, Candaice Smith noted in her speech, that she attained eight subjects at CSEC and hails from the Essequibo county. She is grateful for the opportunity since her academic life had its ups and downs.
“The journey in my academic life was not a walk in the park but I would not trade it for anyone else’s…For me, going to UG or university I desired was as far as I could have gone, it was just a dream. Getting a job at the end of my school life took precedence,” Smith shared.
Currently, applicants can either apply for a Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) Levels 5 and 6 diploma or a General Education Development (GED) diploma under GOAL.
The SCQF diploma is a comprehensive preparatory programme to be delivered within a three- to six-month period targeting applicants who have at least completed Grade Nine of their secondary education or sat the CSEC examination, but did not obtain passes in four subjects. The students are to study seven courses: Communications, Business, Mathematics with Excel, Behavioural Management, Marketing, Introductory Economics, and International Relations. The diploma is internationally accredited and is offered by the Scottish Qualification Authority (SQA). The SQA is the national awarding body in Scotland responsible for the development, accreditation and certification of qualifications.
Meanwhile, the GED diploma is offered through Texila American University (Guyana) and other partners. It is an intensive three-month programme targeting applicants who were unable to write or who did not attain passes in five subjects at the CXC/CSEC level. The GED is equivalent to the United States of America High School Diploma. (G12)