Major Success of GOAL and GROW Initiatives
January 10 2025 – The Government of Guyana’s innovative scholarship initiatives, GOAL (Guyana Online Academy of Learning) and GROW (Get Ready for Opportunities to Work), have significantly impacted education accessibility across the country.
During the Ministry of Education’s year-in-review press conference, held earlier today at the NCERD Boardroom in Kingston, Georgetown, Minister of Education Priya Manickchand revealed that 29,758 Guyanese have benefitted from the GOAL scholarship program since its launch, which allows students to study for free at international universities.
The program offers a range of opportunities, including degree programs, certificates, and postgraduate diplomas.
Minister Manickchand highlighted that this initiative has reached all corners of the country, ensuring that education opportunities are not limited to Georgetown residents.
According to regional statistics provided by the Minister:
- Region One: 814 recipients
- Region Two: 2,702 recipients
- Region Three: 4,431 recipients
- Region Four: 13,002 recipients
- Region Five: 1,842 recipients
- Region Six: 2,983 recipients
- Region Seven: 918 recipients
- Region Eight: 605 recipients
- Region Nine: 700 recipients
- Region Ten: 1,761 recipients
Of the total beneficiaries, a striking 21,436 are women, underscoring the program’s role in empowering female students.
In addition to the GOAL program, the Minister discussed the success of the GROW initiative. This program targets school dropouts and individuals who did not have the opportunity to complete secondary school, offering them access to high school-level education.
Minister Manickchand shared that 80% of GROW participants have since advanced to pursuing degree programs, demonstrating the transformative potential of these educational opportunities.
She emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring that all Guyanese have access to education, enabling them to improve their lives and contribute meaningfully to national development.
The Minister encouraged citizens to take advantage of the GOAL and GROW initiatives as part of a broader mission to enhance educational equity and build a skilled workforce.
