Walterine Leonie Mc Leod, a retired Head Teacher, is now the proud owner of a private primary school. She launched Rhema Global Academy on September 10, 2018, at the age of 54. By the grace of God and keeping a dream alive for about 20 years, Walterine is now one of the many examples of baby boomers who are redefining retirement.

“I believe that every child can learn. Wanting to make a difference in the lives of children has stirred in me the desire to open my own school. It became more alive during my period as a Head Teacher when I got to make decisions that turn the lives of many of my students in a positive direction. Children just want to know that you truly care about them and that you are sincere about it,” said Walterine. She was born to Yvonne Smartt and Wolford Evans on February 1, 1964, at the Hackney Health Centre, Pomeroon River.

Young Walterine enjoyed going to school, something her caregivers prioritised. “I attended St Marks Primary School and after writing Common Entrance now known as the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) I was awarded a place at the newly constructed New Amsterdam Multilateral School. It was a beautiful experience. I had a real appreciation for school and my teachers.”

Walterine’s world changed on the last day of her secondary school life. In haste, she was forced to pack her belongings and head to Mathew’s Ridge with her mother. She did not even get to say goodbye to her best friend, Candace Glasgow.

“I was taken to babysit my brother. I didn’t enjoy it and cried regularly. Growing up in Berbice my chores excited me. I just had to fetch water and sell the cakes and breads baked by my grandmother and also the ground provision she purchased to retail. It was different living in Matthews Ridge. I had to take care of the entire house. I didn’t know how to get it done so my mom was not pleased,” she said reflecting on that seemingly difficult time in her young life.

“My Dad – stepfather- understood what was going on and one day when he came back from a business trip from Mabaruma he enquired of me for my CXC certificate and my birth certificate and let me know that he is seeking to get me into the teaching profession, thus the birth of my teaching career in the public sector, which lasted for 36 years,” Walterine said.

In retrospect what started out in deep sorrow turned out to be a positive life-changing experience. Walterine was given the opportunity to serve in many schools both at the primary and secondary levels. Having realised the desire to stay in the profession, Walterine began qualifying herself in the field. She holds a BEd. in Administration from the University of Guyana, Class 1 Grade 1 Trained Teacher Certificate, Certificate of Education Management and a Diploma in Business Education. And, like a true teacher who believes that learning is an ongoing process, she is pursuing a certificate in Educational Leadership for School Administrators at Kaieteur Falls University.

During her teaching career, Walterine was able to impact the lives of students who attended Arakaka Primary, Mathews Ridge Primary, Carmel Secondary, Richard Ishmael Secondary, Houston Secondary, and Tutorial High School.

Walterine said, “I believe teachers are like mini gods and we have the ability to create. As I will often say the state of a country reflects the state of its education system. Teachers get to fashion positive mindsets, industry and hope for the future or develop a complaining spirit. We have the ability to help students believe in themselves.”

Her own path
Whilst Walterine was gainfully employed and doing what she loves, she always wanted to operate her own school. Often times, she would find herself looking for a suitable location to open a school even though she was teaching in the public sector. The urge to continue serving Guyana continued to grow even though retirement age was quickly approaching.
Retirement presented a new opportunity for Walterine. She did not see it as a stumbling block but rather a stepping stone. She armed with the word of God and courage, Walterine walked in faith. Rhema Global Academy became a reality.

“It is established to encourage ordinary people to experience an extraordinary education. We are preparing the future leaders with a positive mindset… Persons who know how to think big. Persons need to understand that an educated person can achieve anything in this world he or she desires without infringing on the rights of others,” she added confidently.
Speaking about her accomplishment she said, Rhema Global Academy is focused on developing the whole child. “We work hard and we play hard. Have a hobby, you can be a doctor and an excellent football player. Whatever is your career you must have an outlet to detox whenever you feel overwhelmed. We believe in keeping it positive and to value each other.”

Walterine believes that the best part of achieving your dream is to see it transform into what God has in store. When her school opened the student population was nine. Today, there are 21 students and the numbers are climbing.

“In order for Guyana to develop to her fullest potential, she needs visionary leaders… People who can see beauty in each other and who know that they were born for a purpose. Leadership is servitude, the greatest leader is the biggest server. We aspire to prepare thousands of minds capable of transforming Guyana and the world at large,” she said.