The National Cultural Centre (NCC) in Georgetown, Guyana, hosted the fourth graduation ceremony of the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) on Tuesday, celebrating the achievements of 3,876 graduates. This event marks a significant milestone in the government’s efforts to enhance the country’s human capital amid ongoing economic growth.
The graduating class included a diverse group of individuals, such as teachers, nurses, public servants, entrepreneurs, young professionals, and lifelong learners. Senior Minister within the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, delivered the feature address on behalf of President Dr. Irfaan Ali. He emphasized the importance of lifelong learning and personal development as the government works on modernizing infrastructure for the future.
Dr. Singh provided a breakdown of the graduates by region, demonstrating the extensive reach of the online education initiative:
Dr. Singh highlighted the significance of these numbers, recalling a time when higher education was less accessible outside the capital. He noted that many graduates were earning their first qualifications or returning to education after years away. The class of 2026 also saw a notable increase in female representation, with women comprising nearly three-quarters of the graduates.
Graduates received a variety of accredited international credentials, including 1,308 certificate and vocational awards, 1,150 technical graduates from the GROW pre-university program, 396 bachelor’s degrees, 836 master’s degrees, and 35 doctoral degrees, marking the first PhD graduates since GOAL’s inception in 2021.
Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips addressed the graduates, emphasizing the need for robust physical infrastructure to support digital education. He mentioned the government’s efforts to expand high-speed internet access and establish ICT hubs in remote areas, allowing citizens to participate in online learning.
Dr. Tandeka Alana Barton, the valedictorian, delivered an inspiring speech, urging her peers to continue pursuing their goals while acknowledging the support systems that helped them succeed. Minister of Education Sonia Parag concluded the ceremony by reminding graduates that their specialized education is a lasting asset that will contribute to Guyana’s sustainable development.
Source: hgptv.com
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