With the opening of an Education for Advancement (EFA) branch office recently, Trevor Bassoo, President of the institution, asserted that the initiative was another means to assist in steering Guyana forward.

He said, “We as Guyanese can finally receive the advanced education needed to steer our country forward. This is an opportunity to receive affordable education from accredited universities at our own convenience. Students can continue to work and attend to other responsibilities while studying, hence not having to put the rest of their lives on hold while getting a recognised education.”

EFA’s headquarters are located in the United States, with local offices throughout the Caribbean, representing the University of Leicester and Ashworth College.

Both academic partners, University of Leicester and Ashworth College, are recognised educational institutions.

The University of Leicester is a top UK university which was recently awarded the 2008/9 University of the Year at The Times Higher Education Awards; and Ashworth College is a leading provider of accredited online education in the USA, with over 100,000 active students and nearly 1,000,000 graduates worldwide.

Bassoo stated that with years of experience as backing, the new branch office, located in Georgetown, will offer the full range of degree and professional career training programmes online, leading to qualifications which are recognised in the Caribbean and worldwide.

A range of subject areas will be offered at the Associates, Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctorate levels, including business and management, accounting and finance, IT, criminology, education, human resources, emergency and risk management and media and communication.

EFA product and services include a full range of degrees in Business Administration (MBA), Finance and Marketing from the University of Leicester; 39 different Undergraduate Degrees and Career Training Diplomas from Ashworth University in the USA; Career Development Services such as career action planning; career coaching via phone/email; and a candidate skills profile database for access by potential employers and employment services, including job posting, candidate evaluation and job-related training.

Bassoo affirmed that the aim of setting up the institution is to provide higher education to individuals who cannot afford to study abroad.

“With headquarters in Fort Lauderdale, and branch offices throughout the Caribbean region, Education for Advancement (EFA) is now offering flexible, affordable distance and online qualifications in Guyana,” he posited.

Speaking of the proposed official launch of EFA in Guyana, John Evans, President of EFA said, “Establishing operations in Guyana is a very natural progression for EFA, and will allow us to continue to build both our reputation and the range of support services to both existing and new customers. We see this market as key to our overall success in the region”.

He added that EFA is committed to providing world-class education and career advancement for persons in developing countries.

The Fort Lauderdale based company brings together a highly experienced team of individuals, with proven track records in the education sector.

EFA has expertise in the technological, commercial and distribution elements of distance/online education worldwide, including the Caribbean region.