The Education Ministry took its 20,000 scholarship initiative to Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) and Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) on Saturday – a plan under the Guyana Online Academy for Learning (GOAL) that will enable persons to further their studies in a number of disciplines.
Government has undertaken these efforts in fulfilling its manifesto promise of delivering 20,000 online scholarships within its first term in office. Outreaches were already facilitated in several regions.
Education Minister Priya Manickchand chatting with an applicant at the Leonora Synthetic Track and Field Centre, Region Three
While the Education Ministry has the responsibility of managing the academic and technical aspects of the programme, the Public Service Ministry awards the scholarships.
At the Leonora Synthetic Track, Region Three, Education Minister Priya Manickchand urged persons within the region to capitalise on this opportunity to develop their careers. She noted that through campaigns in different parts of Guyana, a significant request was more scholarship opportunities for people. As such, the Administration took a decision to deliver to the people.
Leading the outreach, she shared, “Anything that allows you to be able to earn for yourself, to be able to look after yourself or any children that you may have without depending on anyone, any opportunity you get that puts you in that place, grab it. To the boys, there is no better feeling of dignity and pride than to be able to look after yourself and your family. Any opportunity that you get to further your studies that would help you earn better, grab it like this one.”
Foreign Affairs Minister Hugh Todd assisting applicants with their applications
Minister within the Public Works Ministry, Deodat Indar, who was also at the event, assured applicants that Government is committed to its promises – a testimony in the delivery of scholarships to fulfil their manifesto agenda.
Indar urged recipients to ensure that they take priority in completing the course materials to the best of their ability, as it will take them one step closer to bettering their lives.
Member of Parliament, Dr Thandika Smith was a beneficiary of a scholarship under the former Bharrat Jagdeo-led Administration. Hailing from Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) and braving many hurdles to secure an education, Smith said the rewards of that opportunity was lifelong.
The MP told applicants, “You’re making the right decision. You’re making a decision that will not only benefit you but will benefit your family, your community and it will benefit your country. What you will be doing eventually is passing on the mantle. All that knowledge that you will be gaining, you will pass it on to the future generation.”
Region Two
Over in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam Region), the turnout was also significant on Saturday. The official launch was facilitated in the township of Anna Regina by Public Service Minister, Sonia Parag.
Parag noted that an advantage to the scholarships is that recipients can study at their own pace and upon completion, they do not need to work for the Government. She said that persons who qualify for the scholarships would do just mere hours of community services depending on their courses. Persons who do not have CAPE can undergo the Bachelor Preparatory Programme (BPP) and once they are successful can apply for degree programmes.
Meanwhile, Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Hugh Todd met with prospective applicants during his outreach at Johanna Cecelia Secondary School, Region Two.
Public Service Minister Sonia Parag discussing the application process with a Region Two prospective applicant
Addressing the gathering, Minister Todd urged Essequibians to take the opportunity as he highlighted the importance of education. He said that this year, 4500 of those scholarships will be awarded to Guyanese to pursue academic studies at certificate level all the way up to the PhD offered by internationally recognised universities. However, the scholarships are intended to provide equal opportunities and access to residents in the region and as such, develop a better nation.
Noting that one of the concerns is the issue of unstable internet connection, the Government is committed to ensuring every Guyanese enjoy affordable and accessible internet services. He emphasised that the Government is committed to ensuring data is available to all the Essequibian applicants.
“The Government is going to transform Guyana together …President Dr Irfaan Ali once said in a speech at Parliament that we have to establish one Guyana, a nation where each Guyanese citizen will be given the opportunity available to become a successful member within society… we need to have an educated workforce which is important for the nation’s survival and also to ensure that Guyana is on the move and further attract other counties.”
One of the prospective applicants, Diveya Persaud of Mainstay is hopeful that she changes her life with a scholarship since her parents cannot afford to pay her tuition to the University of Guyana.
Courses are offered from the certificate to PhD level in a number of disciplines. Interested persons can also register and apply online.
