-including first batch of doctoral graduates
-by Shamiah Grant
A total of 3,876 graduates from across the region graduated today, the latest historic milestone reached by GOAL since its 2021 launch to expand access to education. The graduation was held under the theme ‘A Celebration for National Development’. Today’s graduation featured a total of 2,858 women and 1,018 men graduating under various programs.
For instance, 1,150 graduated from the GROW certified program, while 1,308 graduated from certificate and vocational programs.There were 396 graduates from the bachelor’s degree programs, 836 master’s degree graduates, and for the first time since GOAL’s inception, 35 doctoral graduates.
Several scholars shared expressions of gratitude, telling NCN News about the challenges they overcame to successfully graduate from their programme.
“So despite of being pregnant and on the program, as well as working, working and also doing the RN program, I was able to navigate and get my studies completed,” one graduate, Ravina Hernandez said.
Another graduate, Krishel Barker said, “To me it was a great opportunity, and for me to have a certificate in bachelor’s in science for nursing.”
“It was truly an enlightening experience, I must say. It was something that I’ve never experienced before, definitely. Actually completing a whole course while online. The only challenges I had is with balancing work and studying at the same time,” Kenneth Edwards told NCN.