An estimated 5,000 Guyanese are currently participating in the Guyana Online Academy of
Learning (GOAL) scholarship programme implemented by the PPP/C Government.
The initiative is the brainchild of President Irfaan Ali and is executed through the Public Service
and Education ministries. President Ali had stated that it is geared at equipping citizens with
tools for self and economic development.
Deputy Director, Ronald Singh, was quoted by a state owned media house on Wednesday during
an interview held at the academy’s office located at Ogle Estate, East Coast Demerara as saying
that the organisation is working to help scholarship awardees remain in the programmes by
sourcing and upgrading internet facilities across the country.
“We have ventured out into discussions and actual physical assessment of internet facilities
across this country. As we speak, a team from GOAL along with a NDMA rep is in Berbice,
Corentyne looking at some of the centres to see whether they have the adequate equipment, the
right broadband to facilitate uploading and downloading of university level information,” Singh
said.
Meanwhile, he said that some 129 awardees have completed a number of short courses.
Singh pointed out that in an effort to provide a range of programmes targeting the country’s
developmental needs, government has introduced two additional courses.
He disclosed that newly on board is the Sherlock Institute of Forensic Science (Sifs India), of
which 200 students were awarded scholarships. The programme was implemented to equip
members of the police department with the skill to solve crimes.
“It is the government’s intentions to improve or build the capacity, especially people of the
police force who have to deal with investigation, forensic issues and so on,” Singh explained.
The GOAL Deputy Director noted that government has introduced training programmes for
technical work in the oil and gas industry, being offered through 3T EnerMech, a world-class
workforce development company.
Singh added that the government will continue to deliver on its promise of providing free
learning opportunities for some 5,000 to 6,000 citizens annually.
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