THE Guyana Online Academy for Learning (GOAL) has received over 9,000 applications for the new academic year, some 3000 more than 2021.

Last year, 6,000 Guyanese undertook distance learning in 187 programmes offered through eight universities.

The GOAL scholarship programme is tasked with equipping Guyanese with skills, knowledge and qualification for economic and self-development.

Minister of Public Service Sonia Parag recently expressed delight at the massive reach of the programme.

“Of course, we can’t take all 9,000-and-something applicants, but we are definitely trying to take as much persons, or get as much persons on board as we can to be able to assist in terms of a tertiary education, with either a certificate, a degree, a masters, or a PhD,” she said.

Minister Parag said the selection process will completed shortly, and that within the next two weeks, the ministry will publish the list of awardees.

Meanwhile, persons who were unable to acquire a Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) qualifications are being targeted to benefit from quality learning through GROW (Get Ready for Opportunities to Work).

This programme is in partnership with the Ministry of Education, and is offering Guyanese 18 years and older a second chance at self-development.

Whether at the nursery, primary, secondary or tertiary level, the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Administration has always been keen on ensuring standard knowledge is offered to learners.

The Administration believes that the academic upgrades, coupled with the number of other major developments, will promote the living standards of citizens in an already transformed Guyana.

Applicants are, therefore, encouraged to apply for the GROW scholarship before June 13, 2022. Interested persons can register on the GOAL website: www.goal.edu.gy.

Applicants who are encountering difficulties with the Online application form can contact GOAL @ 222-5394 or 222-5395. (DPI)