EARLIER this week it was publicly announced by the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) that 425 Guyanese are now the holders of a master’s degree from the India-based Jain University in various disciplines.

This accomplishment follows the 3,000 students who graduated from the University of Guyana (UG) last weekend.
Hundreds of these UG students are also master’s degree holders with several opting to be the first batch of graduates for new programmes such as Master of Science – Strategic Development Studies from the Institute for Human Resiliency, Strategic Security, and the Future (IHRSSF) and Master’s Degree in Oil & Gas & Renewable Energy through the university’s Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences.

The discovery of oil, the availability of free online scholarships and new and interesting UG programmes has awakened the desire in Guyanese to pursue higher education. For one reason or another, many were unable to pursue higher education after completing their secondary education.
Among the main reasons are lack of finances. Some who wanted to continue their academic journey could not do so because they lived in remote villages and relocating to Georgetown to attend UG was impossible.

The COVID-19 pandemic opened doors for some and many walked through them without thinking twice.
Many saw the pandemic as the ideal opportunity to upskill themselves by pursuing that higher education they had always wanted in a comfortable and stress-free environment. There was no longer the need to spend thousands of dollars on transportation and to endure late nights on campus. Everything was being done remotely.
Today, UG is still offering a blended approach to teaching which mainly involves online classes. Many students are grateful as all that is required is a stable internet connection and the right device.

GOAL scholarships offers online learning through the University of the West Indies and universities in India and parts of Europe. It must be noted that in addition to the master’s degree holders, persons would have also completed certificate programmes and diplomas and others are currently completing degree programmes.
According to GOAL, between November 2022 and August this year, almost 1,400 students have been awarded certificates, diplomas and postgraduate diplomas.
The number of Guyanese who have completed studies this year, is evidence of how serious they are about academics and being able to market themselves in an increasingly competitive world.

Guyanese from all walks of life and backgrounds – mother-daughter duos, siblings, very mature persons and persons living with disabilities – have all taken up the opportunity to further their studies.

Based on the level of interest being shown and the work being done by the Irfaan Ali-led government to ensure that every Guyanese has access to education whether through scholarships or modern learning facilities, the numbers are expected to grow astronomically. Guyanese are very mindful that education is key to their growth and development.