GUYANESE will be able to benefit from more scholarships provided by the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) this year, with the $1.8 million allocated in the 2023 National Budget approved on Monday.

Minister of Public Service Sonia Parag, during the consideration of the budget estimates on Monday, noted that this sum will support the novel scholarship programme.
In order to ensure that a highly educated and skilled nation is formed, the Public Service Ministry is expected to significantly invest in a variety of scholarships for Guyanese in 2023.

Already, the GOAL Online courses have been beneficial to around 894 people in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), 191 in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), 46 in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), 143 in Region Nine(Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and 527 in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice). Minister Parag pointed out that everyone from Region One (Barima-Waini) received GOAL scholarships in 2021 when her government chose recipients.

Minister Parag further emphasised that all partnerships with universities outside of Guyana are included in the budget granted for the GOAL programmes. But she made it clear that only tuition fees are being paid; not administrative expenses.

GOAL was originally introduced in 2021, with a total of 6,000 Online scholarships available.

During the discussion of the budget estimates on Monday night, Minister Parag noted that the $1.8 million is a component of the larger expenditure allocated for the provision of training, including government scholarships.

Funds were also allocated to support 1,221 individuals benefitting from public service scholarships. New international scholarships will receive millions of dollars which will be used to cover other expenses like care packages for students.