Dear Editor,
PERMIT me space to comment on a letter published in the Stabroek News of April 21, 2021. Clearly, Mr Alexander was being himself. Besides groping for answers, the letter is littered with inaccuracies. First, I wish to deal with the inaccuracies. It is not true that the scholarship awardees would be bonded. They would be required to do community-service stints of varying lengths, based on the respective programmes, before they graduate. Clearly, they can seek jobs in any sector of the economy. Beneath the veneer, however, Mr Alexander seems to be querying whether the awardees of these scholarships would eventually infiltrate the public sector.

Further, the programme(s) for teachers contemplate active teachers. An integral part of these scholarships as envisaged by President Dr Ali and his government, is the training of our people in their homes and environments in remote parts of Guyana. The aim of this kind of programme, therefore, is not to bring back teachers, but rather to upgrade the skills of those in the profession. Mr Alexander is probably experiencing selective amnesia; he is well aware that many teachers and nurses, among others, have not been able to upgrade their skills/knowledge to their potential due in part to their locations of employment in remote parts of the country.

This is a vital point when one considers that not all teachers or nurses can achieve upward mobility or promotions. Upgrading of qualifications provides some semblance of parity by way of increased salaries.

While the BPP may not close the academic gap between O’ Level/CSEC and Advanced level/CAPE, it will sufficiently prepare the student for entry into the respective programmes. Furthermore, it must be noted that only one institution offers this option, which is based on its own national education requirements.

Let me now explain briefly where GOAL fits into the scheme of things. The first nationally established institution for online and distance education, GOAL functions as an intermediary, broker or clearing-house for education programmes.

It identifies internationally recognised programmes that fit the actual and perceived needs of the various sectors of the economy and negotiates reduced prices for the students. Furthermore, applicants who for one reason or another may not have been awarded scholarships can still pursue their education dreams because they will benefit from the same reduced tuition fees. They would, however, have to apply through GOAL. Besides connecting and enrolling students in the various programmes, GOAL monitors students’ performances and offers a range of services relating to student and academic affairs.

This letter-response, I trust would set some minds at ease on the role of GOAL in the 20,000 scholarships over the next five years.

Sincerely,
Dr. Opadeyi