‘Think outside the box’ when applying for scholarships

− Minister Hamilton at Hope, EBD GOAL outreach

Minister of Labour, Hon. Joseph Hamilton has urged prospective scholars to consider exploring less popular programmes, when applying for the online scholarships administered by the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL).

The Labour Minister was speaking to residents of Hope, East Bank Demerara, at the launch of the Government’s 20,000 online scholarships programme there.

The programme is being rolled out through a partnership between the Ministries of Education and Public Service, and facilitated by the GOAL.

Minister Hamilton said as the world evolves, there will also be need for new skills and education that match the 21^st century labour market.

“When you review the training options, think outside the box, think about different and new things. Think about the professions where the monies are to be made, not the normal things,” he said.

Minister Labour, Hon. Joseph Hamilton being welcomed by a student at the Hope Estate compound.

He said the programme is a demonstration of the PPP/C Government’s commitment to the development of the lives of every Guyanese, regardless of their location or background.

It is for this reason, he said, the Administration launched a countrywide GOAL outreach, taking the programme to every community throughout the country.

“The Government could have just launched this programme and allow people to find their way on how they can sign up …wherever Guyanese are, this programme has gone and will continue to go.”

Minister Labour, Hon. Joseph Hamilton engaging prospective students at the Hope Secondary School

Minister Hamilton said the online scholarships initiative, which caters for persons 18 years and older, is inclusive, as it also caters for persons without formal academic qualifications.

“For those who don’t have the requisite CXC’s, they have start up programmes within this online scholarship, that you do different courses to upgrade yourself to take you to the place where you can properly register for a programme, so all is not lost.”

Prospective students at the Hope Estate compound

The online scholarships programme was conceptualised by His Excellency, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, and aims to deliver education to Guyanese. Persons would be able to earn a certificate, Bachelor’s degree, a post-graduate diploma, a Master’s degree or a PhD through six international universities.

Over 3,500 applications have so far been processed by GOAL. The applications received represent online and hard copy submissions from across the 10 Administrative Regions for 108 programmes being offered by the universities.