Guyanese, who were unable to finish their secondary school education, will be given an opportunity to complete their studies.
The new initiative titled “Get Ready for Opportunities to Work (GROW)” is open to Guyanese, 18 years and over, who did not have an opportunity to complete their secondary school education or obtained less than five passes in CSEC/GCE subjects (including Mathematics and English).
Minister of Education Priya Manickchand unveiled the program yesterday.
She encouraged Guyanese to make use of the program to be able to access better opportunities.
“If you always wanted to finish high school to give yourself better opportunities, then grow is your chance. This is your second chance to do what you were unable to do. Come let us register you and you will be able to finish high school with certification,” she said.
The Ministry of Education said applicants can either apply for a Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) Levels 5 and 6 diploma or a General Education Development (GED) diploma.
The SCQF diploma is a comprehensive preparatory programme to be delivered within a three to six-month period targeting applicants who have at least completed Grade nine of their secondary education or sat the CSEC examination but did not obtain a pass in four subjects.
The students will study seven courses: Communications, Business, Mathematics with Excel, Behavioural Management, Marketing, Introductory Economics, and International Relations.
The Diploma is internationally accredited and is offered by the Scottish Qualification Authority (SQA) in partnership with Jain University, India.
Upon completing the programme, students will be able to enrol in Bachelor’s Degree programmes in Humanities; Commerce; Business and Management; Computer Science and Information Technology at Jain University or any other University accepting SCQF’s qualifications.
Meanwhile, the General Educational Development (GED) Diploma is offered through Texila American University (Guyana) and other partners.
It is an intensive three months programme targeting applicants who were unable to write or who did not attain passes in five subjects at the CXC/CSEC level.
The GED is equivalent to the United States of America High School Diploma.
Students who choose the GED Diploma will be exposed to four core areas: Mathematics, Social Studies, Science, and Language Arts.
On successful completion of the GED programme, students will be able to matriculate to a four-year Bachelor’s degree programme at Texila University, Guyana or any other University that accepts GED qualifications.
All classes will be conducted online during evening hours to accommodate students who work during the daytime while examinations will also be conducted online at the end of the programme.
Interested persons can register online at the GOAL website, SCQF application form or GED application form.
To apply, a copy of an applicant's CSEC results or Secondary School report card is required along with a copy of photo ID.
They must also have access to a laptop, tablet computer and the internet.