talks up plans to collaborate, offer scholarships

PRESIDENT, Dr. Irfaan Ali is taking steps to enhance the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) Scholarship programme.

During a meeting with the Director of the United Nations University of Peace (UPEACE), Dr Francisco Rojas, President Ali on Wednesday discussed the possibility of incorporating their courses into the programme.

Dr. Rojas was enthusiastic about the opportunity and will work with Dr. Jacob Opadeyi, Head of GOAL, to further explore this exciting prospect.
Dr. Ali is currently in Costa Rica attending a conference hosted by the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA).
Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1980, UPEACE is an international graduate-only university and intergovernmental organization. Each year, the university selects approximately 200 students globally for their master’s programme, as well as offering doctoral and executive education.
The goal scholarship programme was launched back in 2021 when President Ali assumed office.

In a previous report from August, it was noted that the programme has exceeded its target of 20,000 scholarships.
The GOAL scholarship programme stands as an integral component of the visionary agenda of the PPP/C government to nurture a highly educated and skilled workforce.
In collaboration with esteemed regional and international universities, GOAL offers an extensive array of academic and vocational programmes at various levels, encompassing Certificates, Diplomas, Bachelor’s, Post-Graduate, Master’s, and Doctorate degrees.

Minister of Education Priya Manickchand revealed that during the programme’s initial phase, individuals displayed a predominant interest in traditional areas of study.
However, she emphasised that the government has strategically focused on tailoring programmes to align with the nation’s specific needs, which include fields such as tourism, counselling, and teacher training.

Minister Manickchand noted that approximately 1,500 teachers are currently engaged in an educational programme at the University of the West Indies (UWI), which equips them with advanced teaching methodologies, particularly in reading.