A Timehri youth shares her challenges and big ambitions

CIRCUIT Area, Timehri is a small community covering just a few miles and housing just a few dozen homes. A quiet and tranquil community at heart, the village is home to just a few young people. The easy-going way of life leaves much to be desired when compared to the excitement of places like Soesdyke. Hidden several miles away from central Timehri, the Circuit Area offers tranquillity as well. However, the young people in the community wonder if it offers opportunities.

Circuit Area Timehri is one of those places where people say you can hear a pin drop. The people of this small community value peace and hold its quietness in high esteem. However, according to 23-year-old Kimberly Watson, her childhood in the village was rather mundane but still enjoyable. Kimberly is among the few people who were born and raised in the Circuit Area. She says the village is as it always was—not too many people or friends for her during her childhood. As she shared, “I grew up here in the Circuit Area. This village was always a quiet place, even when I was small. I remember going to school and straight back; there was not much else to do in the village.”

However, although her childhood was primarily home and work, Kimberly says there were good moments throughout the years. As she stated, “Growing up here since I was small was a bit boring, but it was good too. I enjoyed my time at school. That is where I had friends, and they made it fun.” She said. Kimberley attended a number of schools over the years, and her one regret is never graduating high school.

Journey through school
Our years in school are among the most crucial and challenging. As one of the few children in the community, Kimberly’s challenges with schooling began very early, with transportation being the biggest. As Kimberly explained, Her early years at Timehri Nursery began a long journey. As she stated, “I first attended Timehri Nursery. That was a bit difficult because we did not have transportation at that time. So a lot of time, I would walk out.” But she did not let this challenge discourage her.

After Kimberly’s years in primary school, travelling and the vastness of Guyana again became a challenge when she was awarded a place at Dora Secondary. Although a good school, Dora Secondary is several miles away from Kimberly’s Timehri home. As she explained, “When I wrote the National Grade Six Exam, I was given Dora. I did not really appreciate the school because of where it was located. I left after a month or two and went to Supply Secondary.” Her time at Supply Secondary was well spent. This is where she was most happy, learning, and growing.

However, 2020 was a rough year for everyone. Kimberly was uprooted when school was reopened and was placed in Friendship Secondary. She explained that several challenges played a role in her decision to leave school in the fourth grade. As she stated, “I dropped out before I wrote CXC. I did not feel as though I was ready. After moving schools, it was hard to catch up.” She said. Kimberly says she is working on developing herself today.

Among her many other endeavours was craft. After high school, Kimberly got involved in crafting various items learning to make things like hand towels, tablecloths, and so on. Kimberly explained that this effort also ended prematurely: “I did not get to graduate from the crafting school. I learnt a lot of things. But because of the things happening at that time with my family and so on, I could not continue,” she said. Regardless of the countless challenges, Kimberley intends to get a job and return to work.

Future endeavours
Getting a job as a young person could be challenging for many, and even more so without that much-needed experience. For young adults like Kimberley, ambition is as important as opportunity. She explains that she has had a few other jobs, but many were located far beyond the community. However, she does not see this as a challenge and is very optimistic about her future and potential for more. And like so many young people, I would like to see more chances to learn and grow in any capacity. As she stated, “I had a few jobs in the past, but I am looking for something else now. I would like to do something in healthcare.” Despite the challenges she has faced, Kimberly is determined to move forward.