Balgobin uses his struggles as inspiration for success
Thavindra Balgobin and his proud mother, Arlene Bhola
Thavindra Balgobin and his proud mother, Arlene Bhola

— secures nine subjects at CSEC

 

THAVINDRA Balgobin, 18, stands testament that encouragement, dedication and hard work can overcome any situation when he secured nine subjects at the recently concluded Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations.

Balgobin also topped the Port Mourant Secondary School at those examinations.

He achieved grades one in Principles of Business, Biology, Integrated Science and Human and Social Biology; grades two in Agriculture Science, Mathematics and English A; and grade three in Information Technology and Social Studies.

Balgobin, of Lot 514, Belvedere Squatting Area, East Berbice, Corentyne said that during his childhood, he faced many obstacles, including poverty and a broken home. His father had permanently abandoned his family and the young man used these bad experiences as a motivating factor to work harder to achieve his dreams and ambitions in life.

Thavindra Balgobin

With the encouragement of his teachers and his mother, Arlene Bhola, 42, by his side, he decided that education will be his vehicle out of poverty.

“It was very difficult going to school, some days no passage or no food. I was afraid that I thought my hopes were crushed but my mother assured that she will see me through school. She said son, you can do it and that was the hope I needed,” he related.

Bhola, a single mother, related that she began working as domestic worker to ensure that her son, her only child, is able to receive an education.

Despite her meagre salary, she did not give up but jumped at any availability of jobs. She added that her father, who is a pensioner, also assisted and from time to time. The pastor at the Peniel Outreach Ministry also provided support to the family.

The woman said when her son wrote the National Grade Six Examinations Assessment (NGSA), he attained a place at Bush Lot Secondary but due to lack of finances, she had to transfer him to Port Mourant Secondary. His enrollment there did not disappoint as she met a team of dedicated and hardworking teachers.

The Port Mourant Secondary School is considered one of the low grade schools on the Corentyne. However, overtime, the team of teachers led by Headmaster, Mark Lyte, has been transforming the image of the school by helping the students to reach their full potential.

In addition to academics, the school has a dynamic Allied Arts Department.

REMEDIAL CLASSES
Balgobin spent six years at the school; his first year was in remedial classes. During preparation for the CSEC examinations, he was met with the difficulty of not having finances to do his SBAs.
A teacher saw his struggle and was able to assist and through the Humanitarian Mission in Guyana, he was given a stipend to cover transportation and SBAs expenses.

“I knew the exams were not going to be easy but I believe in myself, I had strength. I had believe that I would do it, I will not just try but I will put my best foot forward. I was determined that I must study and I worked hard. When I received my results, I was very surprised and so excited. I couldn’t believe that my hard work paid off. I am very thankful for all the help and for everyone who believed in me,” Balgobin said.

He dreams of becoming a teacher and is hoping to obtain a scholarship to continue his studies at the University of Guyana. With a smile, he said, he was inspired by his teachers as such he wants to inspire others to achieve their dreams.

“I want to inspire other students that despite their struggles, they can make it in life with an education. Put a lot of emphasis, be serious and be determined. I can show them inspiration, how to be determined when it comes to school work. I was inspired by all my teachers, who were willing and sacrificed a lot of time,” Balgobin told the Guyana Chronicle.

Meanwhile, the Humanitarian Mission Guyana Inc. having recognised the young man’s potential, is seeking to provide funding in order for Balgobin to further his studies and ultimately achieve his dream.

Against this backdrop, the mission is seeking donation to make his dream a reality. Donations can be made at the mission’s bank account number 4000196. Representatives of the mission can be contacted on telephone number 615-2433 or 973-868-6163 or email: contact@hmgy.org

Meanwhile, Bhola is urging parents to encourage their children to take their education seriously

“It’s their future. Even after we are gone their education will always be there with them,” she said.

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