The National Cultural Centre was filled with pride, emotion, and gratitude on Monday as the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) hosted its Third Annual Graduation Ceremony, celebrating the academic and personal achievements of hundreds of scholarship recipients from across the country.
The event not only marked the culmination of years of dedication and perseverance, but also underscored the life-changing power of accessible education, a vision brought to life by GOAL’s mission to democratise higher learning through strategic partnerships and government support.
Among the graduates were individuals whose stories reflected triumph over adversity, a renewed sense of purpose, and the unwavering belief in the transformative power of education.
Lisa Roberts, who earned a Master’s in Educational Administration and Leadership, captured the spirit of the event in a powerful address to fellow graduates.
“This programme was rigorous. At times, it was difficult. But it was also empowering,” she said. For Roberts, the degree was more than an academic credential, it was a personal triumph that equipped her with practical tools to lead and innovate in educational settings.
Roberts highlighted the inclusivity of the programme, which respected diverse cultural and religious backgrounds. As a Seventh-day Adventist, she felt seen and supported. “That sense of belonging reminded us all that education must be inclusive if it is to be truly transformative.”
With heartfelt gratitude, she thanked the government and the university staff, adding, “We were guided not just by textbooks, but by lived experience. And as we leave here today, we are ready to lead with empathy and purpose.”
For Keshan Lucas, who graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, the road to academic success was long and demanding, but ultimately rewarding.
“I studied through the Open University system for over 13 years, while working and raising a family,” Lucas said. “There were moments when time felt like the biggest challenge.” But through discipline and resilience, she persevered.
Lucas emphasised that studying psychology had a transformative effect on her own life. “I’ve learned how to respond to life more positively, and more importantly, how to help others, especially children, do the same.”
Keshan Lucas
Her dream is now to teach psychology and guide youth through their emotional struggles. “Education is never a waste,” she declared. “It is a path to healing, to growth, and to making a difference in the world.”
Graduating with a Master’s in Public Health, Kelly Tanuja described her academic journey as both practical and empowering. Placed in a supervisory position early in her career, she realised the need to strengthen her foundation. This degree, she said, was her answer.
“This programme has given me the skills to better manage people and processes and prepared me for greater responsibility in the health sector,” Tanuja stated.
She also called for broader expansion of the GOAL programme, especially in healthcare. “With more university partnerships and more specialised courses, we can empower more professionals to serve their communities effectively.”
Kelly Tanuja
Additionally, for Loria-ann Thomas, who earned a Master’s in Business Administration with a specialisation in Project Management from Taxila American University, the academic journey was deeply personal.
“At the end of my first year, I found out I was pregnant with my first child,” she shared. “Balancing motherhood and graduate studies was one of the toughest tests of my life.” Despite the challenges, Thomas pressed forward, supported by her family, friends, lecturers, and faith.
Now employed, she said her passion for public education has only grown. “Any initiative that empowers young people through education is one I will always stand behind and support.”
The GOAL scholarship programme, launched by the Government of Guyana, has now empowered thousands of Guyanese to pursue higher education through online and hybrid partnerships with institutions worldwide.
