BEFORE the sun rises over the Corentyne, Raveena Ramkishun is already in motion, preparing meals, organising her household, and ensuring her family is ready for the day ahead.

A devoted wife and mother of three, she skillfully juggles early morning chores before stepping into her backyard, where another responsibility awaits: her growing duck farming enterprise.

It is within this daily rhythm of care, discipline, and determination that her remarkable journey unfolds, embodying the essence of a people-first Guyana.

Her story reflects how the PPP/C government led by President Dr. Irfaan Ali is creating real opportunities for ordinary citizens, empowering women like Ramkishun to pursue education, build sustainable livelihoods, and contribute meaningfully to their families and communities.

Born and raised in Topoo Village, Ramkishun’s early life followed a familiar path. After completing her secondary education, she married and embraced the responsibilities of being a full-time housewife and mother.

Yet, like many women across Guyana, her aspirations extended beyond the domestic sphere. Today, she stands as a symbol of transformation: an emerging entrepreneur, a university student, and a role model for her three daughters.

At the heart of her transformation is the Government of Guyana’s GOAL (Guyana Online Academy of Learning) scholarship programme, which has opened doors to higher education for thousands of citizens.

Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics, Ramkishun balances academic pursuits with the demands of motherhood and business management.

Her story underscores the administration’s commitment to ensuring that education is accessible, flexible, and empowering, particularly for women.

Parallel to her academic journey is her thriving duck-rearing enterprise, an agricultural venture that has become a critical source of household income.

What began four years ago with a modest purchase of 300 French Muscovy ducklings from a neighbouring large-scale breeder, Devika, has since evolved into a structured small business operation.

Today, Ramkishun manages approximately 1,500 ducks housed in two large pens behind her home in Guava Bush Village.

Reflecting on her progress, she shared, “From then to now, I would say I have learned a lot due to GLDA’s support in offering training in duck rearing to me as a woman farmer and I am very pleased with the initiative, so far, to enhance my capabilities.”

Her success is not incidental but grounded in discipline and sound management practices. She emphasised that record keeping is essential to the sustainability and growth of her enterprise, allowing her to monitor production, track expenses, and make informed decisions.

Her entrepreneurial journey has been significantly strengthened by the technical and institutional support provided by the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA).

Through its Region Six extension services, officers regularly visit her farm, offering guidance on husbandry practices, feeding, disease prevention, and overall flock management.

Ramkishun expressed gratitude for this support, noting, “I am very thankful for the support given to me from GLDA through their visiting Extension Officers along with Dr. Susan Farley; they would check for growth and diseases and lend relevant assistance.”

This support is part of a broader national framework through which GLDA promotes livestock development.

The authority’s centralised hatchery services, breeding stock programmes, and technical training initiatives have been instrumental in expanding duck production across the country and continues to provide viable income opportunities for small and medium-scale farmers like Ramkishun.

Within this enabling environment, Ramkishun has been able to contribute meaningfully to her household alongside her husband, a member of the law enforcement community.

Despite the demanding nature of his profession, he remains supportive of her educational and entrepreneurial pursuits, reflecting a partnership grounded in shared responsibility and mutual growth.

As she explained, her venture “is contributing to my home financially,” reinforcing her role as an active partner in sustaining her family.

For Ramkishun, however, success is not measured solely in financial terms. As a mother of three daughters, she is deeply committed to instilling values of education, independence, and resilience.

PROVIDER AND GUIDE

She sees herself as both a provider and a guide, determined to ensure that her children understand the importance of self-reliance and lifelong learning.

Importantly, she is also using her voice to inspire other women across Guyana. She believes that the country’s rapidly evolving oil and gas economy has created unprecedented opportunities and is urging women to take advantage of them.

As she expressed, women must “use your strength to grow,” noting that for her, agriculture was a natural choice because “there will always be a demand for food and the environment here in Guyana is enabling.”

She further emphasised the transformative power of education, stating that “if you educate a woman, you educate a nation.”

This philosophy underpins both her academic pursuits and her entrepreneurial drive, as she continues to build a future not only for herself but also for her children and community.

Her life embodies a powerful intersection of tradition and modernity. She continues to prioritise family while simultaneously pursuing higher education and managing a business enterprise.

In doing so, she challenges outdated notions of gender roles and demonstrates that women can excel across multiple domains when given the right opportunities and support.

As Guyana observes initiatives such as the Year of the Female Farmer, stories like Ramkishun’s serve as compelling evidence of what is possible when policy meets purpose.

Through strategic investments in education, agriculture, and rural development, the government is not only enhancing economic productivity but also empowering individuals, particularly women to transform their lives.

Reflecting on her journey, Ramkishun expressed deep gratitude for the opportunities afforded to her. The GOAL scholarship has enabled her to pursue academic advancement, while her duck-rearing enterprise provides financial independence and stability. Together, these pillars have reshaped her future.

Her message to other women, especially young and single mothers, is clear: opportunities exist, and with determination, support, and access to the right resources, it is possible to build a better life.

She encourages women to explore entrepreneurship, utilise available government services, and take steps to formalise and grow their businesses.