East Coast residents say Govt’s scholarships are a chance to upskill themselves

Residents at Golden Grove and Enmore, East Coast Demerara say they are excited about the Government’s 20,000 online scholarships programme, as it gives them a chance to upskill themselves.  

During an outreach to the two villages on Wednesday, the Department of Public Information (DPI) spoke to several residents about the opportunities being offered through programme.

Prospective scholar, Mr. Intiaz Karim, shared that he grew up in a single-parent household and began working at the tender age of nine-years-old. His early labours helped him through school, the 29-year-old said, and he was eventually promoted to a tertiary institution.

“I had started my career in 2009 as an accountant and from there on, I was given the opportunity by both private and the Government sectors to work and to further my studies at a certain level.

Here, I want to complete my studies and take myself to an even further level, with the assistant of this Government,” he said.

Ms. Hemwanti Sawh, a 30-year-old mother of one also expressed appreciation for the opportunity.  

“Financially, it means a lot because I have a son, he’s five. Academically it means so much because I can do it from the comfort of my home. And to have this opportunity that you think you wouldn’t have these opportunities anymore; it is quite an honour and a privilege,” she said.

This prospective scholar is looking to study Business Management and Financial Discipline. Ms. Sawh said she wants to serve her community and country once she has acquired her qualifications.

Meanwhile, Ms. Lesio Lewis, 27, said due to her family’s financial difficulties she could not pursue tertiary education. Now that the Government has made provisions for her to access free education, the young woman is keen to capitalise on the opportunity.

“This means a lot to me because I have always wanted to further my studies and since I heard about the 20,000 scholarships, I thought why not get on board and try to elevate myself.”

The young woman encouraged other youths to apply for the online scholarships.

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Hon. Mohabir Anil Nandlall S.C., shared that in order for Guyanese to live a “long and prosperous life,” they must first acquire an education.

“In the programme, there are wide and varying areas of studies which you can choose from. It caters for any person, whatever your qualifications may be. We are preparing our country and we are preparing our citizens to take advantage of opportunities that will arise in the coming years.”  

Minister Nandlall appealed to attendees to encourage their community members to be a part of this programme so that they can become skilled.

On Thursday, the Attorney General will be visiting other East Coast Demerara villages to discuss the opportunities being offered through the online scholarships programme.