Fort Island teacher tells her story
JUST ust beyond the mouth of the Essequibo River, the famed Fort Island can be found. Home to a hospitable few, Fort Island has become synonymous with tourism. The island’s appeal is undeniable and continues to attract people from all walks of life. Charline Ward, however, seems to have been drawn to the island for different reasons. Growing up, her teachers had the most profound impact on her. She knew when she was quite young that educating others was what she wanted to do; she just did not know it would be on the gem that is Fort Island.

Teaching, even with all its challenges and trials, is something that Charline felt drawn towards. The passion for education seemed to be a family trait, as she explained, “I was born at Western Hogg Island School. Growing up there, I always admired teaching. My father was the headmaster of Western Hogg Island Primary.” This early exposure to the world of education undoubtedly shaped her aspirations and set her on a path toward becoming an educator herself.

Charline began her teaching career as soon as she could. Still a teenager herself, she tried her hand at teaching older children before settling on primary and nursery schools. “In 1980, I became an acting teacher at Western Hogg Island Primary School. I worked there until 1994, then left to go to training college. After finishing my training, I came back to Western Hogg Island to serve the community,” she said. Her dedication to her community and her willingness to return and contribute to the place where she grew up speaks volumes about her commitment to education and her desire to give back.

Charline served her community for many years. However, after more than two decades, the opportunity for a new position presented itself on Fort Island. Charline knew about the island and had distant relatives there. As she stated, “After seeing a vacancy at Fort Island Primary, where I could upgrade myself to be a head teacher, I came over to Fort Island Primary. I enjoy working with children.”

Charline says the best part of her job is that it is truly fulfilling. Looking around the island, Charline sees dozens of young professionals she is proud to have taught. As she shares, “I have seen the fruit of my labour. I have students who are nurses and doctors. And I have a student who is working here at a ceiling as a transport manager or a clerk, something like that. I have another one working at Transport and Harbors as a captain, as part of the team. I just love children.” The pride she feels in seeing her former students succeed in various fields is a testament to the impact she has had as a teacher.

Although she retired from teaching more than five years ago, Charline has returned to the classroom. As she explained, “Right now, I’m back at the school teaching the nursery children as a 10-day worker because I just feel like I have more to give to the children. I am at the nursery department, teaching the children to write, to learn, to read, and so forth. I just love dealing with children. I love teaching them. I enjoy teaching them. I could go on until the end of time. Until God takes me, I could go on teaching the children.” Her passion for teaching is evident in her continued involvement and her unwavering dedication to the children.

Although education in the region has improved, there are still some challenges the island and its neighbours face. Among the major battles the youth face happens after completing their primary education. Some islands house secondary schools; Fort Island is an exception to that rule. This, Charline says, has had a big impact on the young women of the island. She explained, “In the girls’ case, they would drop out of school, and then, after a few months, you would hear that they got married or went off with someone.” She further added, “They eventually drop out from school. So, there are a lot of challenges around the area. I think so. I have two daughters who have graduated from Cyril Potter College of Education.”

Over the years, Charline has gone the extra mile for the children in her care, many long after they have completed primary school. She told of how she would go above and beyond to help create new opportunities for the island’s young people. Charline says she does it simply because it makes her feel proud. “I felt so great doing that for them. Go and get a letter, get a medical. Go and take them into the curriculum. Go and visit them every month, along with their parents. And they, too, were graduating in clothing and textiles.”

Today, Charline works as hard as she can to help further the youth of Fort Island. Her only inspiration is her passion for the profession. As she shared, “Because of my love for children. I love children. I love to deal with children. I love to hold their hand and teach them to write. I also love to teach music. I taught music at Fort Island Primary School. And here I enjoy being with children.” Charline’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact dedicated teachers can have on their students and their communities.