­­–Chairman contributes funds to commence ‘incubation’ process

THE Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) celebrated a significant milestone as it surpassed the 20,000 mark for Online scholarships, a goal initially set for implementation before 2025.

This achievement was highlighted during the second annual graduation ceremony, held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre in Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara, where over 1,000 students were conferred their degrees.

Addressing the gathering, Chancellor and Chairman of the JAIN Group of Universities and Industries, Dr. Chenraj Roychand announced plans to launch an accelerator programme tailored for GOAL students. Dr. Roychand expressed his commitment to fostering entrepreneurship in Guyana, aiming to cultivate at least 10,000 entrepreneurs within the next decade to spur economic growth in the country.

In a generous gesture, Dr. Roychand pledged $1.2 million for the incubation of startups for each GOAL student interested in launching their own business ventures. Additionally, he promised to provide opportunities for further education, including Online hybrid PhD programmes, to equip graduates with the skills and knowledge needed to innovate and succeed in their respective fields.

Dr. Ashni Singh, Senior Minister at the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and Minister of Public Service, commended the remarkable achievement of surpassing the 20,000 scholarship mark. He underscored the importance of GOAL in providing Guyanese citizens with access to quality education, enabling them to pursue their dreams and aspirations.

Established with the aim of expanding educational opportunities for Guyanese citizens, GOAL offers a diverse range of courses, from Diplomas to Masters, provided by prestigious institutions worldwide. These include the College of Excellence, Management and Business (CEMB); Texila American University; JAIN (Deemed-to-be) University; Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) Programs; Sherlock Institute of Forensic Science (SIFS) Programs; and University of Southern Caribbean (USC) Programs, among others.

Friday’s graduation ceremony not only marked the culmination of the students’ academic journeys but also heralded the beginning of new adventures and opportunities for all graduates, regardless of their chosen field of study. As they embark on their respective paths, the graduates carry with them the invaluable lessons, skills, and determination instilled during their time at GOAL, poised to make significant contributions to Guyana’s future.

The Guyana Online Academy of Learning’s achievement of surpassing 20,000 scholarships represents a significant milestone in its mission to democratize education and empower individuals to realize their full potential. With initiatives like the accelerator program and entrepreneurship support, GOAL is not only nurturing academic excellence but also fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship that will drive Guyana’s socio-economic development in the years to come.