GOAL vindicates trust in Govt, self-fulfillment and gender parity

Dear Editor,
What a time for Guyanese! This scholarship initiative being administered via the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) is really ‘something else’, and my hope is that it will be fully exploited by all of us, as it caters for just about everyone, irrespective of education level.
I see that in pushing this initiative, Minister Sonia Parag took time to encourage residents to take full advantage of the Government’s landmark 20,000 online scholarships initiative being administered via the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL), which is headed by Professor Jacob Opadeyi, a former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Guyana.
Her efforts bring back images of Minister Dr. Ashni Singh, who last year noted that “investment in education is the surest path to personal upliftment.” At the time, he “…urged residents…to take full advantage of the 20,000 Online Scholarship Programme being offered by the Government.”
I am in strong support of this thrust in education, and I hope that these precious opportunities that are being offered would be fully grasped. This is year number two of this drive, and it is gathering momentum. Last year, when the programme was first introduced, a total of 6,000 persons were awarded scholarships, and these are now entrenched in their studies in various fields.
What is commendable is that Guyanese from all walks of life now have the opportunity to study online, and to be able to earn qualifications ranging from certificates all the way to PhDs. “…and you don’t have to take a cent out of your pocket for it,” Minister Parag emphasised.
Concerning connectivity, as we know, this can be challenging. She clarified that “…although constant connectivity is an issue in some areas, it should not be a deterrent to those who want to apply, since this would not have any major implications on a person’s studies.” She pointed out that, “We understand the challenges, and we are working to eliminate those challenges for you; but in the meantime, all you need is some Internet to download the teaching materials to study, and then connectivity again to upload your work. You don’t always have to be online.”
Well, there can be no excuse now regarding being a well-qualified Guyanese and being in full-readiness for jobs. However, I want to point out a few things.
First, education is a key factor to reducing and preventing global poverty. This is a universal axiom. Many countries around the world are beginning to realise the importance of education, and are investing in it significantly. Making education available to 100 percent of people around the world is one way to ensure that poverty declines. It is no mystery to conceptualise that by educating an entire population, economic growth is a natural effect. Studies show that each extra year of schooling can increase a person’s salary by 10 percent later in life.
Secondly, we keep talking about empowering women and girls. Well, education has proven to benefit women and girls at a higher rate than boys. The empowerment that girls receive from an education, both personally and economically, is unmatched by any other factor. Women who are educated are usually better decision-makers, and have higher self-confidence.
Educated women are also more likely to delay marriage, and have children when they are truly ready. This can ensure that the family would be well taken care of, because the mother is prepared for the responsibilities of being a parent.
Educated women have a higher likelihood of preventing their children from dying from preventable causes.
My final take is that the Government, on most fronts, has vindicated the trust reposed in it. But when it comes to this GOAL phenomenon, it has really outdone itself. The word from the Ministry is that “…the aim is to ensure that GOAL benefit from a healthy balance across all spectrums, including ethnic and geographic.” The Minister detailed that, “Our people in every nook and cranny of this nation must be properly educated and qualified to benefit from the opportunities that will soon begin to unfold.”
Please do not miss out. In 2021, when GOAL was first launched, a total of 6,000 online scholarships were offered. In 2022, another 4,500 scholarships will be provided, while some 2,726 continuing students will be catered for. Add to this number now.

Yours truly,
H Singh