Dear Editor,
I recently read that “Seniors (over 60), enrolled at York (in Canada) may have all, or part of their academic fees waived at the domestic fee rate, for York University degree credit courses. What a wonderful way to go. It’s a start, but how much better this would have helped if this offer had been extended to say people in their younger days, even if not the full ‘fee coverage.’
So here in Guyana, we have to be very grateful that we have the ongoing GOAL, devoid of any monetary and age prohibition or exclusion. It is simply free, but not to be taken for granted, not slighted.
I note that along this line, back in January of this year, Minister of Public Service, Sonia Parag, had to defend the Government’s Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) scholarship programme against criticism from Opposition Members of Parliament. At the time, she detailed that “… the Opposition Members have criticised this initiative (GOAL), including the fact that the University of Guyana is not part of the GOAL programme”, they are also beneficiaries of it. Imagine! I love the fact that she had to elucidate that “Guyana is developing at a rapid pace, and to satisfy the growing needs of the labour market, we need to act fast to produce the professionals that are required to take advantage of the growing opportunities.”
I mean this is how visionaries and planners operate. ‘Knee-Jerk’ reactions always leave chaos. Guyana is preparing for some unprecedented happenings. In fact, Guyana’s landscape has changed significantly in the last three years or so. I am talking here about road works, construction, waterways, airport and so many other infrastructural developments.
I think of the fact that we can no longer limit ourselves to the University of Guyana, and like she pointed out, “While the University of Guyana is an excellent institution run by brilliant minds, we acknowledge that it has a far way to go, and the Government is committed to providing the requisite support for it to advance.” Thus, I agree with her that “GOAL is an exceptional platform that offers wider and more convenient opportunities for a higher education.”
If I were to compile a list of the benefits of GOAL, it may take quite some doing. However, just run through these few: creating more employment opportunities; securing a higher income; developing problem-solving skills; improving the economy; providing a prosperous and happy life; giving back to the community; creating modern society; bridging the borders; creating equal opportunities; creating equal opportunities; and introducing empowerment.
Thus, I firmly support GOAL and advise that the nation capitalise on it. According to the feedback from many beneficiaries, “The programmes offered by the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) are playing a huge part in bolstering the capabilities of the education system in Guyana, as more teachers complete these courses to advance their skills in the classrooms.” And this is just in one category.
As a caveat, I ask that the facilitators of GOAL run more awareness campaigns, and also keep open the deadline until May. Guyana needs to rein in as many as possible.
Yours truly,
H Singh
