First batch of Jain graduates grateful...

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He added: “If not go for any other scholarship, but push more because you can never have too much education, especially in the world that we’re living in.”

Tajnauth Sookdeo, a 42-year-old of Skeldon, Region Six (East Berbice -Corentyne), also completed his post-graduate diploma in HR management.

He currently holds the position of Health and Safety Officer at the Skeldon Estate and recognised that he was fortunate to be in the first batch of graduates.

To be selected and allowed to study through GOAL, he said, was a very exciting experience and it was convenient as well.

“The opportunity was a very exciting one because it gives you the time at night, to study at your own convenience. Everything is done online, all the exams, all the classes and so on. And I think that’s a good venture from the government of Guyana to give,” he said.

He has plans to pursue his Master’s. He noted that while many persons may have reservations about attending university online, it is exactly like a normal university with a rigorous programme.

“We had to do so many assignments. We had to do our thesis. We had to defend it orally, the viva voce… everything else like a nor- mal university. I should say that the programme is well done,” he related.

Molissa Cudjoe, a 30-year-old who also completed her postgraduate diploma in General Management, is currently employed at an oil and gas company, Sustainable Environmental Solutions, as a site chemist.

Cudjoe said that she chose that area of study to gain management experience to further her career in the oil and gas industry.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and previously studied at the University of Guyana (UG). She noted that while searching other avenues to study to add to her resume, she came across GOAL and decided at the time that this was her best option.

Cudjoe said that attending classes was tough, but she persevered.

“It was a bit tough coming from work and then having to join the class but it was all worth it,” she said.

Cudjoe said that she feels blessed and was fortunate enough to be selected for the scholarship and advised others to go for the opportunity.

“The government is giving you the opportunity. They’re offering you the scholarship. So, you would never know if you don’t try their [sic] luck,” she said.

Gem Bowman, a 49-year-old teacher of a small village in Region free of cost,” the health minister explained. The programme aims to ensure that everyone with hearing loss is able to receive the gift of hearing, and while the elderly population is targeted for benefits, the programme is also prioritising young children.

Several programmes have been rolled out by the ministry to assist citizens, among them the ‘Snap On’ spectacle initiative that will see persons in the hinterland receiving spectacles –free of cost.

Citizens are also benefitting from free cataract procedures. In addition, hemodialysis patients are benefitting from an annual $600,000 grant that will subsidise the cost of dialysis locally. Some 330 patients received the grant in 2022 and to date, over 100 persons have benefitted in 2023.

“So, there are lots of good things that are happening and it’s happening across the country,” the minister assured.

A sum of $84.9 billion was injected into the healthcare sector for 2023. (DPI)

Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) completed her postgraduate diploma in General Management as well.

She said that she tried to do an education programme through GOAL, but at the time there were none available.

“I don’t have much knowledge in that area (General Management), so I chose to do that course and I was granted the privilege of studying with Jain,” she said.

Bowman lives in a riverain community that uses solar power with no internet connectivity. To attend classes and complete her assignments, she would put on data on her phone which she explained was very expensive for her.

“For exams, I couldn’t do it on my phone, because you had to use a computer. So sometimes I traveled to Linden or Georgetown to have stable internet access,” she explained.

Bowman is presently pursuing her Master in Education.

She related that as long as someone puts their best foot forward, they can do it too.

“I’m in this area, and I can make it. So, then people, especially those on the East Bank and East Coast and in the more developed areas, you have a better opportunity,” she said.