Gov’t partners with Coursera to launch free Upskilling Platform for public servants

The Ministry of Public Service, Government Efficiency and Implementation has officially launched a national upskilling initiative in partnership with Coursera, aimed at transforming Guyana’s public sector through world-class training.

The programme, officially launched on Monday at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, will provide free and continuous learning opportunities to public servants across all regions and support efforts to modernise operations and improve efficiency.

Through the Coursera platform, public servants will have access to a wide range of courses including foreign languages, beginner-to-advanced Microsoft Excel, project management, and website development. These courses are designed to strengthen job performance.

Minister of Public Service, Zulfikar Ally, said the initiative underscores the government’s commitment to human-capital development, describing it as essential to empowering “the people who make government work.” He emphasised that the programme is not limited to current job functions but serves as an investment in personal and professional growth. Participants will earn certificates upon completion, which will be tied to professional development and future promotions within the public service.

President Dr Irfaan Ali, who delivered featured remarks at the launch, called for an “agile, results-driven and accountable public service backed by skilled human capital and technology.”

He described the Coursera partnership as a foundational pillar of the new public service the government is building.

The President also said the programme will prepare public servants not only for local responsibilities but for global opportunities.

President Ali added that the digital learning system will enhance equity, remove biases, simplify processes, and strengthen Guyana’s digital economy.

“This initiative will become the foundational pillar of the new public service we are fashioning. We are building the human capital that will ignite the future of Guyana,” President Ali said.

He reiterated his expectation that Guyana’s public servants must be equipped to lead systems, solve problems, and make government services more accessible.