–authorities remind interested candidates of May 22 closing date for applications

OVER 3,500 persons have applied for online scholarships being offered by the Government of Guyana through the Guyana Online Academy for Learning (GOAL).
According to a press statement from GOAL, the applications received represent online and hardcopy submissions from persons across the ten administrative regions for 108 programmes. Persons who registered online but have not completed the application process are urged to complete the form and upload the supporting documents which include: a passport size photograph; a copy of their National Identification Card/biometric page of their passport or driver’s licence; copies of transcripts and certificates of all academic achievements; motivational statement and a letter of support from current employer (if employed) or anyone in authority to attest to their character. For the programme to commence in July 2021, potential applicants must follow the policy and guidelines of the five universities being utilised for the courses; this means that they would have to submit their applications before May 22, 2021.
To expedite the process, Director of GOAL, Dr Jacob Opadeyi, is urging interested applicants to submit their applications online, using the portal: https://goal.edu.gy/

The objective is to ensure 4,500 persons are awarded scholarships this year. From certificates to the PhD level, all programmes are being offered free of cost and fully online; this will facilitate flexible timetables for students and the convenience of a quality learning experience tailored to their schedules.
All reading materials and assignments will be accessible for students to download and execute. However, deadlines for assignments will be stringently followed and GOAL’s team will be working along with students to provide support where applicable.
“While some consider online learning to require a greater degree of self-motivation, we at GOAL recognise that educational support is just as important as tutor feedback, and we will take great care to ensure that students receive the same levels of support that they would receive on campus,” Dr. Opadeyi explained.
This phase of the programme is part of the overarching vision of the government to offer 20,000 online scholarships within five years.
The initiative was conceptualised by President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, to deliver quality and advanced education to all Guyanese 18 years and over.