Education Guyana Project #34596

Give Guyanese Students Access to University

by SAGE: Scholarship for Advanced Global Education

Project Report | Mar 18, 2019
Updates from Current SAGE Scholars

By Katie Fotofili | Project Leader

SAGE Scholars at Fall Orientation 2018

We recently surveyed current scholars to learn how the first semester of the school year went and what is keeping them inspired and busy on campus. Check out some excerpts of those responses below!

What was your favorite course of the past term and why?

“Pathology. Pathology provides a deeper understanding of the origin of diseases and what really happens to the body in this state - which in its essence is what medicine is about. Working in the pathology lab where we got the opportunity to see real life organs was a great experience.” - Natifa

“I am currently on industrial attachment this year, which is going great so far. I am learning a lot. Currently I'm attached to the consultant’s team on the east coast demerara road widening and improvement project serving as a surveying assistant and assistant site inspector.” - Tejyas

“Environmental Engineering. The class size was very small which accommodated discussions and sharing of opinions on various areas of interest. There were field trips and practical projects which made the course fun. The final exam did not test how much theory was retained. Instead, it was about application of ideas and concepts discussed in class.” – Andy

What have you been doing outside of classes this term?

“I participated in a drone training, in collaboration with the Guyana Drone Operators Association, Ministry of Tourism and Guyana Civil Aviation Authority, for Guyana's first drone race. I am also the secretary for two clubs: ‘Girls in Computing’ and ‘Social Media Club’. I am also currently helping the Female Empowerment Movement Club (FEM) in getting donations to help buy Christmas gifts for children of a chosen orphanage.” – Uvannie

“I have been training with my Club (Saints Hockey Club) along with the Junior Players so as to strengthen the club. I have also been involved in many of the fundraisers led by the National Hockey Team.” -Hilton

I was a part of the anti-doping program for testing athletes in the female 20/20 cricket match. I was also a part of a surgery suturing workshop and a 2018 medical conference.” – Gina

“I am the co-founder of ‘Illuminate’. An organization that assists single mothers and abused girls.” - Tatyana

How do you plan to impact Guyana after you graduate?

“I am planning to use my skills and expertise to push the frontiers of engineering and technology forward in Guyana. Guyana’s power and energy sector is currently developing and in need of engineers and trained individuals to influence change. My intention is to work along with the government of Guyana to develop an alternative source of energy and global warming solutions.” - Reuel

“I would like to become a food scientist. My aim is to achieve zero hunger in Guyana. Guyana being the bread basket of the Caribbean, I would like to use and share my knowledge attained through studying, to develop more food security programs.” – Tatyana

“When I first applied for the SAGE scholarship I was so sure I wanted to be Minister of Health. However, Guyana needs an intervention as it relates to mental health issues. With my degree, I plan to become a psychiatrist so that I can be actively involved in the change I wish to see for Guyana.” – Natifa

We look forward to sharing more updates with you as our scholars progress through University!

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Dec 17, 2018
Meet Uvannie, our newest SAGE scholar!

By Katie Fotofili | Board Member

Uvannie 2018 SAGE Scholar

A graduate of Rosignol Secondary School, Uvannie plans to become a software engineer after she completes her studies in Computer Science at UG. She took time out of her busy schedule to answer a few questions about being a SAGE scholar and her passion for computers.

What does being a SAGE Scholar mean to you?

Being a SAGE Scholar is a privilege to me, since it opened a lot of opportunities and a whole other part of my life that I never dreamt possible. I think of the Scholarship as my once in a lifetime opportunity, since it’s helping me move towards my goals. Being a Scholar also means that someone believes in me, that I can do great things and that I’m someone who can make a difference. I am very grateful to SAGE for playing a big part in supporting me on my journey to a degree, and also a better life for me and all those who I will help in the coming future.

Can you talk a little bit about your passion for computer science and how that passion developed?

As a type of person that was always curious about computers and how they worked, when I first heard about Computer Science in Secondary School, I was very interested in it. My passion for it grew gradually from that moment. And due to my stream [of studies] not [including] any computer related subjects, I made it my mission to do both EDPM [Electronic Document Preparation and Management] and IT [Information Technology] as extra subjects for CSEC [Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate]. Here is where I got more experience with computers and what they could do. I loved it, but still wondered, ‘How does all this come together?’ and ‘How does the computer know what to do?’. This made me more interested in that field. I knew at that very moment that I wanted to work with computers, and that computer science was the best way to answer all those questions I have been asking. With Computer science it allows you to do so much more with a computer; to create programs, create algorithms for solving problems, even creating a user-friendly AI, and many more. I love the thought that something that was once a dream or a thought in someone’s head is now one of the most used devices in the world, and I want to be a part of that.

Looking ahead, how do you hope to use your degree to contribute to Guyana's development?

My goal for the future with my degree is to help promote computing technology to the citizens of Guyana. This is by helping them achieve their true technological potential to make their lives easier. I believe that by helping develop the people, it will contribute significantly to the development of the country. As we know everyday technology is advancing and I want to be a part of helping Guyana advance too. I also hope to be a part of creating new programs and apps, and introduce them to my fellow citizens. With saying this, as I look ahead I see a bright technological future for Guyana, where there are infinite possibilities.

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