The incumbent People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) government had promised to provide 20,000 scholarships to Guyanese within its five-year term in office and on Thursday, President Dr. Irfaan Ali announced that this target was surpassed in just three years.
“I was doing an analysis of our manifesto and we have blown it away.
“Today, let me announce to you, that in less than three years it has surpassed its 20,000 scholarships in five years,” Dr. Ali told reporters at the sidelines of an event.
A majority of the government scholarships are being distributed through the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL), a body set up in 2021 to facilitate access to numerous higher education programmes offered from several universities abroad.
Studies are done online and persons can access certificate programmes, undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
Education Minister Priya Manickchand confirmed the President’s announcement, stating that just over 21,000 students have already received these scholarships, including about 2,000 teachers.
At first, the Education Minister said more traditional courses of study were sought but over time, more people are taking courses applicable to Guyana’s labour needs. That includes studies in tourism and hospitality, counselling and teaching.
And Manickchand assured the public that the programme will not end now that the 20,000 mark has been surpassed.
“We’re not stopping here. [GOAL] has really afforded students the opportunity to study to do degrees…” she said.
Last year at an outreach activity in Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara- Berbice), Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo assured people that there was no fixed cap on the GOAL scholarship programme. According to him, the government will provide more scholarships if more people want to study.
Meanwhile, President Ali also told reporters on Thursday that the government remains committed to its promise of making tertiary education free by 2025.
“Everything we promised is 100% on.
“…. Bet your last dollar it is going to happen,” he said.
