GOAL creating opportunities once out of reach for thousands of Guyanese – PM

Emphasising that Guyana’s growing economy will require an increasingly skilled workforce, Prime Minister (PM) Mark Phillips has highlighted the opportunities being provided through the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL), encouraging all citizens to take advantage of them. PM Mark Phillips on Tuesday morning delivering the feature address during the first session of the fourth graduation ceremony for GOAL at the National Cultural Centre. To demonstrate this point, the PM reflected on his own journey towards higher education. “I don’t say this lightly. Opportunities that were once beyond the reach of many included myself and many people of my age group. I remember writing the Common Entrance Examination, which is now called the Grade Six Assessment. When you passed with a certain score, you earned a free place at a secondary school. If you did not achieve that score, your parents had to pay for you to attend secondary school, or you remained and completed the upper level of primary school. Many of you sitting here cannot remember those days or have no memory of them,” he said.

Reflecting further on his educational journey, the PM posited that after he passed the Common Entrance Examination and earning a place at Kara Kara Secondary School in Linden, he benefited from the country’s free education policy. He explained that free education was available throughout the secondary level, eliminating the need for students to compete for free places after admission, as placement in a particular school was determined by the education system. He further noted that free education was later extended to the university level in Guyana. The PM reported that he started university at a time when higher education was free. However, after his fourth year, students were required to begin paying fees as part of the conditionalities associated with the Economic Recovery Programme. He noted that, over time, the country had progressed to its current position. The PM further told the graduating students that while working during the day, he attended the University of Guyana (UG) in the afternoons and completed a diploma in Public Administration. He then returned to work for approximately two years before being granted time off to pursue full-time university studies. Over the next three years, he completed his degree, which had by then become a programme in Public Management. “And you know why I’m telling you this? Because if we had GOAL when I was in the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), I would have been able to work and complete my diploma and degree in my spare time, just as you are doing today. We have come a long way, and I’m using my example to help you recognise and appreciate where we are today. Contributing to GOAL’s reach and success is the Government’s ability to ensure that every community across the country is connected to the internet,” he said. “There is a saying that education and freedom are deeply intertwined. True learning liberates the mind by breaking the barriers of ignorance. We have connected every community and every community can now benefit from education, become empowered and break down the barriers of ignorance.”

Education at centre of national development
The PM emphasised that the Government has placed education at the centre of national development, noting that GOAL has attracted more than 54,000 participants to date. In this regard, he underscored the need for a highly skilled workforce as the country’s economy continues to expand. “As Guyana develops, the demand for skilled workers continues to increase. We need more electricians and welders. We need more phlebotomists. We need more logistics professionals and technicians. We need more accountants and accounting technicians. We need more educators and information technology specialists. “In every field you can think of, we need more educated Guyanese. We need citizens who are prepared to adapt as industries evolve and new opportunities emerge here in Guyana,” he stated.

Moreover, the PM asserted that learning is a lifelong pursuit and urged the graduands to continue upskilling themselves.

Impacted lives
Meanwhile, several graduates shared their experiences and reflected on how the GOAL has impacted their lives. Felize Robinson, one of the graduates, explained that behind every graduation gown is a true story of determination. Speaking at the National Cultural Centre, she shared her journey of balancing work and studies while pursuing her programme through GOAL. “It was good, although it was challenging. I had to complete my studies while working, especially because of the time difference between Dubai and Guyana. It was just six months of my life, and I pushed through. I am in awe of what GOAL is doing. Having the opportunity to study from home while maintaining a job has been invaluable,” Robinson said.
Other students echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the flexibility and accessibility that GOAL provides to learners across the country. Kenneth Edwards, who hails from an Indigenous community, described the programme as a transformative experience and a new chapter for Indigenous people seeking higher education opportunities. “I recently completed the Certificate Course in Professional Development and Personal Communication. This is part of my journey toward advancing my qualifications. I plan to take the next step by pursuing additional courses, followed by a degree and eventually a master’s degree. From an Indigenous perspective, I must say that we have more opportunities now because programmes like GOAL give us the chance to advance ourselves at the tertiary level and achieve our educational goals,” Edwards stated.