“Your country stands on the threshold of extraordinary change” – UK Professor to 580 master’s degree recipients

…as $12.5B invested in GOAL scholarships since 2021

A total of 580 master’s degree recipients on Monday graduated from the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) scholarship programme. Several of the graduates were in praise of the Government’s vision, particularly as it was announced that $12.5 billion has been invested into the programme since its inception in 2021.

On Monday, 580 master’s degree graduates from various Universities under GOAL, crossed the stage at the National Cultural Centre. The institutions they studied at range from the Indira Gandhi Open University in India and the University of Southern Caribbean in Trinidad, to International University of Applied Sciences in Germany and East London University in England.
According to President Dr Irfaan Ali, who gave the feature address, the graduates are proof that Guyanese are now living in an era of opportunities. He urged the graduates to apply themselves to making the best of those available opportunities and urged other persons still on the fence, to take that leap and develop themselves.
“Those who have not yet applied. To those still wondering if its not too late. Whether its too hard. Whether its worth it. I say this. Do not let the opportunity pass you by. You’re never too old to learn. You’re never too busy to grow. And you’re never too far to reach. GOAL has made education flexible. It has made it local. It has made it possible.”

“And as we celebrate your success, let us also celebrate the vision and value that made this success possible. Inclusion. Empowerment. Equity. And opportunity… Your responsibility does not end here. In fact, it begins here. The future of Guyana does not rest on buildings, it rests in the minds, the hearts and the hands of people like you. And be assured, Guyana needs you; we need your skills, your voice (and) your passion,” the Head of State further said.
Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh meanwhile revealed that a sum of $12.5 billion has been invested into the programme since the PPP/C Government conceived and launched it in 2021. According to him, more than 39,000 online scholarships have now been granted, almost twice the number they had initially committed to grant.

Power of technology to transform
Special Guest Speaker Professor Paul Marshall, the Vice President and pro-Vice Chancellor of the University of East London, was full of praise for the programme and how easy it makes accessing learning. He also reaffirmed his institutions commitment to stand with the Government of Guyana as it rolls out its vision of sustainable development and innovation.
“Graduates, your achievements today demonstrate the power of technology to transform lives and open new pathways to opportunities, regardless of distance or circumstance. It demands more than knowledge. It demands innovation, adaptability and entrepreneurial spirit,” Marshall said.
“Your country stands on the threshold of extraordinary change, natural wealth and global partnerships are opening new frontiers. Graduates, it will be you. The next generation of leaders, entrepreneurs and innovators, who will turn these opportunities into lasting prosperity.

To the Government of Guyana, we offer our deepest gratitude. Your investment in education, your belief in the power of human potential, has made today possible.”
Also full of praise for the programme were several graduates, who expressed appreciation for the opportunities the programme provided to them. Mohamed Azim, the General Manager of Times Media Group, who graduated with his Master’s Degree in Business Administration, described the efforts of the GOAL programme coordinators to ensure even those fully employed could benefit from the programme.
“It was an awesome experience. The programme also caters for working people. It helps to balance work, personal life and studies. The programme is flexible and relevant to careers, particularly mine. It helped a great lot in actually evolving my capabilities and capacity to be able to deliver more to the organisation.”
“It also enriched me personally and professionally. I think it’s a great initiative by the Government that caters for working people, where you can work and study. So, hats off to the Government of Guyana and GOAL,” Azim said.
Meanwhile, another graduate revealed that she is actually the first in her family to graduate at the master’s level. She was effusive in her appreciation to the Government, expressing thanks “to President Irfaan Ali and by extension the Government at large, for making this dream realised for me and for other Guyanese to reach this level of education… we love you. Just know that you’re loved and supported.”
In total, over 2000 persons are expected to graduate from the GOAL Scholarships Programme this year. Over the course of Monday and Tuesday, thousands are expected to graduate from the Postgraduate Diplomas, Bachelor’s Degree, GROW and Certificate Programmes.