TWENTY-FIVE-YEAR-OLD Kiefer Bacchus graduated from the People’s Friendship University of Russia (Moscow) with a Specialist Degree in Mining Engineering (Surveying) earlier this year. He now joins a high calibre of Mining Engineers in Guyana and across the world but it was a profession he had never dreamt of pursuing.

As a student of the prestigious St. Rose’s High School, Kiefer longed to become a pilot or the next best thing (for him) an aeronautical engineer. And though he excelled through his high school life, securing six Grade Ones, five Grade Twos and two Grade Threes at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) Examinations, in addition to another nine subjects at the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (Grades One to Four) the lack of finance stood between him and his dream.

“We didn’t have the financial means to accommodate that dream,” he told the Pepperpot Magazine.

Kiefer at the time was living in an extended family comprising himself, his mother and grandparents.

During his final year in Sixth Form, the young but ambitious teenager was told about a scholarship being offered by RUSAL’s subsidiary – The Bauxite Company of Guyana Inc. (BCGI). ‘Apply or don’t apply?’ he pondered but ‘Why not?’ For him, it was a tough decision to make.

“I decided to take the opportunity because piloting was quite expensive and we couldn’t afford it then. [So] the switch was a bit tough for me but change is inevitable in life,” the 25-year-old said.

Initially, he was denied the scholarship but later got a call saying that he had been provided with the opportunity to study at the People’s Friendship University of Russia (PFUR), Moscow along with four other Guyanese.

“At PFUR I studied Mining Engineering-Surveying, where I completed a Specialist Degree of five and a half years. In total I spent six and a half years since the first year was allotted to learning the Russian Language,” he explained.
Like many of the Guyanese students studying in Russia, Kiefer said there were many challenges.

“Oh, it was definitely a challenge! I’d say my major challenges were adapting to the new culture, learning the new language, being away from family and friends and of course acclimatising to one of the world’s coldest countries (now I LOVE winter).”
Understanding that challenges were meant to become, Kiefer gradually adapted and decided to enjoy the new experience. “Praying a lot also contributed in a huge way to the process of overcoming these challenges,” he posited.

Reflecting on his journey at the Russian University, Kiefer believes that studying in Russia has “remarkably” changed his perspective on life.
“The truth is studying abroad has such a major impact on one’s life and is perhaps the most educational experience of any student’s life. But it’s not what happens inside of the classroom that has had the greatest impact on my life, but rather, what happened outside of the classroom. The casual encounters with local shopkeepers, the trials and tribulations of figuring out the local transport system and the chance to experience a new culture – all created an educational breeding ground,” he explained.

“In my very humble opinion, I’ve become much more independent and confident than I was when I arrived in Moscow. I have developed some critical thinking skills and a deeper passion for learning. My world and mind have become considerably opened to life and new experiences. I’ve learnt that feeling at home is a state of mind and to make the best of the opportunities provided. I was also pushed out of my comfort zone, made different memories and I’ve seen a different side of money management,” he further added.

Upon his return to Guyana, the 25-year-old will commence work at the Bauxite Company of Guyana Incorporated (BCGI) to fulfil his five-year contractual agreement, however, he is also exploring the possibility of doing his PhD.