The Government Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) Scholarship Programme graduated 3,876 students at its fourth ceremony on Tuesday, with women accounting for nearly three-quarters of the cohort.
Of the graduates, 2,858 were women and 1,018 were men. The cohort included 836 master’s degree graduates, 1,308 certificate and vocational award recipients, 1,150 graduates from the Guyana Online and Offline Learning (GROW) programme, 396 bachelor’s degree holders and 35 doctorate recipients.
Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, delivering the feature address at the National Cultural Centre, said the free programme had exceeded initial expectations and opened doors for graduates — including those from hinterland communities — to pursue new career paths and start their own businesses.
Minister of Education Sonia Parag said every region of Guyana was represented in the graduating class. “From Region One they have 99 graduates, Region Two 185 graduates, Region Three 609 graduates, Region Four 2,004 graduates, Region Five 191 graduates, Region Six 350, Region Seven 62, Region Eight 33, Region Nine 82 and Region Ten 261 graduates,” she said.
Ruth Anne, who completed Project Management and Fundamentals, said she planned to put her skills to use immediately. “I was very appreciative of the government of Guyana for giving us this opportunity to have these online programmes,” she said, adding that the flexible format suited her schedule.
Kenneth Edwards, who earned a certificate in Professional Development and Personal Communication, called the experience exciting. “I learned a lot in regards to that field, and it really helped me in my professional life as well,” he said.
Nicholas Hinds, a degree recipient who juggles multiple businesses, said time had been his biggest hurdle. “In the night when I reach home… I take some time to study,” he said.
Since its launch in 2021, GOAL has awarded over 54,000 scholarships, with nearly 15,000 Guyanese already graduating. Over 30 institutions currently offer close to 1,000 programmes through the initiative.
Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips
