SHE is described as one of the more experienced educators in Region One and although she has retired from the teaching profession, Teacher Bernice Pierre continues to contribute to a profession which she has dedicated most of her life to.

The 73-year old was born at the riverine village of Koriabo outside Mabaruma in the North West District. Sometime later, her family moved to the Wanaina Hill where she was raised. According to her, at 10 years old, she travelled to the capital city where she attended primary school.

She would then return to the North West District and in 1963, she started her career in the teaching profession. Teacher Bernice taught dozens of persons who have grown up to be professionals in various fields. She taught at the Hosororo Nursery and later the primary school there. She would then move further north to the Wauna Primary school where she retired.

During her tenure, she also taught briefly at the Beterverwagting Primary and the Sacred Heart Primary Schools in Georgetown.

“Well it was a very good experience “, she said of her teaching career, adding that if she had to live her life over again, she would still be in the teaching profession. She noted that today, teaching is very difficult as she recounted her days when the records were prepared by the nuns.

She said that today the teacher has to prepare schemes, which she noted requires teachers to be experienced. “I sympathise with teachers today, especially the young ones“, she said in that regard.
During her days of training, she said her sister was very supportive of her. Since she had to leave her two children behind, her sibling would ensure that they were cared for.

Since retiring from the profession, Teacher Bernice says some days she feels as if she can return to the classroom. On Saturdays, she would visit the Roman Catholic Church library at Hosororo and read stories with the children. “I would help them to improve their reading skills, so I’m still involved“, she said with a smile.

She said that sometimes she would sit and think of certain situations which she tries to relive and improve. This includes teaching the children to read at the library. Teacher Bernice said that she would encourage young persons to be focused on their education. “What I find is that the children can read but they don’t understand what they read and that needs improving“, she said.

Living at Wanania Hill, which is remotely distant by road from Mabaruma, Teacher Bernice noted that her village is always home, despite the distance. For her, the comfort lies in her contribution to the teaching profession, a career which she noted was worth her time.