Government programmes transforming lives on Leguan Island
Residents residing on Leguan Island in Region Three commended the government’s education and scholarship initiatives, noting that expanded access to online learning is transforming opportunities for people living in remote communities.
During a recent walkabout on the Island held on Thursday, President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali engaged residents and educators who shared how they were able to pursue higher education without leaving the island.
Most of the residents benefitted from courses through the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) scholarships and the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE).
One teacher, who has been teaching mathematics on the island for 27 years and is currently serving as the deputy head teacher, explained that education has become a family achievement through the government’s support programmes.
“I am teaching here for 27 years now as a mathematics teacher. This is my eldest daughter, she is an IT teacher, and my next daughter is teaching physical education. Both are trained teachers,” the educator said.
Another educator said, “I finished my bachelor’s, and now I am onto my master’s…I became a trained teacher, did my associate degree at CPCE, followed by my bachelor’s degree through GOAL, and now I am doing my master’s.”
Mario Seeram, an agriculture major attached to the Leguan Secondary School, said the PPP/C administration made university education more accessible.
“Under the new administration, the PPP government, I was able to attend the University of Guyana for free from right here in Leguan,” Seeram stated. “It has been very easy because we have the online classes and lecturers. The only time I have to travel is for practical or face-to-face exams, and those are usually on weekends.”
Another educator noted that online learning allowed them to pursue studies without the financial burden of relocating.
“I did my online degree when it first came out at the University of Guyana, then a postgraduate diploma from UWI online, and I have now finished my master’s as well, right from Leguan,” the teacher explained.
Others highlighted the convenience of the government’s free tertiary education initiative and the availability of online classes.
“I started CPCE from Leguan through a distance programme. After that, I went to the University of Guyana, where there was an online programme, and later I pursued studies through GOAL,” the resident said. “It saved me transportation and housing costs while allowing me to remain here with my family.”
Another teacher, Vrindra Damali, said approximately 30 teachers on the island are currently pursuing higher education through the University of Guyana or the GOAL scholarship programme.
“Both have been beneficial to us here because we do not have to travel anywhere to acquire further education and enhance our academic careers,” Damali said.
Residents noted that the expansion of online learning, scholarships and free tertiary education has opened opportunities for professional development while allowing persons to remain in their communities and continue contributing to the island’s development.
