Latest update September 26th, 2026 10:20 AM
Latest News
- ‘No more plundering, no more exploitation’ – UN Chief says resource wealth must benefit producing countries
- Lindsayca bids US$493M for NGL facility as Chinese firm offers US$28M
- Allies unite behind Saudi Arabia as more Iranian flights restricted
- Pres. Ali defends MV Barima salvage process, says bids being re-evaluated
- Finance Minister warns contractors of liquidated damages over project delays
GOAL students must take responsibility for their success
Dear Editor,
As a public communications analyst, I have been researching the experiences of students who have benefitted from the GOAL Scholarship Programme. Many recipients have expressed gratitude for the opportunity to pursue higher education through an international institution. As part of this research, I interviewed Ms. Emily Fernandes, an HR professional at One Communications, who is currently completing her BBA through the GOAL Programme at JAIN University. She described her experience as positive and said the university has been accommodating and supportive throughout her studies.
Ms. Fernandes explained that she had previously applied to UG but withdrew because she felt there was insufficient support during the application process. Her experience with JAIN University, she said, has been different. Students receive examination calendars well in advance, have opportunities to raise concerns during Teams sessions, and can receive reasonable consideration when genuine technical difficulties occur. She also recalled experiencing an examination issue herself, but was able to log back in and continue. In her view, these systems demonstrate that students are being given opportunities to prepare and communicate when problems arise.
However, Ms. Fernandes believes students must also accept responsibility for their education. If an examination is scheduled from 8 p.m. to midnight, students have a four-hour window in which to complete the assessment, and many students finish before the deadline. Since the examination system is also used throughout the semester, students have an opportunity to become familiar with the process before major examinations. Genuine challenges such as power outages can occur, but students can also take reasonable precautions, including charging their devices, maintaining a data plan where possible, preparing materials in advance and avoiding last-minute preparation.
There is also a need for students to take greater responsibility for their academic engagement. If students do not attend classes, review course material or pay attention to information provided throughout the semester, it should not automatically become the responsibility of the university when they are unprepared. Universities have responsibilities to their students, but students also have responsibilities to themselves. Academic success requires participation, preparation, communication and accountability.
Another issue raised by Ms. Fernandes is the conduct of some students during academic sessions. Irrelevant questions, disruptive comments, vulgar music and inappropriate behaviour can negatively affect the learning environment and may reflect poorly on Guyanese students participating in an international academic programme. Stronger student orientation and clearer expectations regarding professional and academic conduct could help address this issue. Students should understand that their behaviour in these settings contributes to how they are perceived by lecturers, classmates and international institutions.
GOAL is providing hundreds of Guyanese with an opportunity to access higher education that many may not otherwise have been able to afford. That opportunity should be recognised and appreciated, but appreciation should also be demonstrated through commitment and responsible behaviour. At the same time, universities and programme administrators should continue listening to legitimate student concerns and addressing genuine administrative, technical and accessibility challenges. The relationship should be one of shared responsibility rather than placing the entire burden on either the institution or the student.
Ultimately, not every problem is a university problem. Sometimes the solution is simply to prepare, communicate early, have a backup plan and take responsibility for our own success. As Guyanese students participating in international education, we have an opportunity not only to earn qualifications but also to demonstrate discipline, professionalism and respect. GOAL has opened the door; it is now up to students to walk through it with the commitment necessary to succeed.
Sincerely,
Blane R Bunbury
Share this:
Discover more from Kaieteur News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Similar Articles
One thought on “GOAL students must take responsibility for their success”
Leave a Reply
Website Hits
Blunt of the day
Sports
Features/Columnists
Sir. Ronald Sanders
The GHK Lall Column
Weekend Cartoon
Blane, allow me to intrude in your conversation, and suggest to you to go and take a Course in Computer Programming.
ITS NOT DIFFICULT.
You will be able to step back and see for yourself (if you are able to connect the dots) how the Human Brain works. And then my Friend you will be able to help Others in meaningful ways in our World and in Physicality.
Victor19