Samuel Sukhnandan
On Friday, more than 1,700 Guyanese students celebrated their graduation from various programs under the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) initiative, offered in collaboration with 11 universities worldwide.
This milestone marks a significant boost for Guyana’s economy, thanks to the efforts of the 1,712 graduates who successfully completed their studies under the government-funded initiative.
In his address at the second GOAL graduation ceremony, President Irfaan Ali emphasized the government’s ongoing commitment to investing in education to enhance Guyana’s competitiveness on the global stage.
He encouraged the graduates to use their newfound knowledge and skills to contribute positively to society and the nation’s development.
The President also spoke of the importance of post-secondary education and how the world will become more competitive, including Guyana, highlighting the rapid advancements across various sectors of the local economy.
He praised the graduates for their perseverance and dedication, reaffirming the government’s dedication to supporting higher education.
However, President Ali also cautioned against viewing educational credentials as a shortcut to success.
The GOAL initiative offers Guyanese citizens free postsecondary education from recognized universities around the globe, providing them with the qualifications needed to seize numerous job opportunities across diverse industries.
This program is part of the government’s broader efforts to foster national development and equip the workforce with the necessary skills for a thriving economy.
Prime Minister Mark Phillips, Senior Minister Dr. Ashni Singh, and Minister of Education Priya Manickchand were among the notable attendees at the graduation ceremony.