Nismes Secondary School Headteacher going the extra mile to contribute to society as an educator

WHILE some sit and find excuses without realising their true potential in upgrading themselves and their academic status, Lashaun Williams has been doing the opposite — quietly working behind the scenes to fulfil her personal goals.

A native of Danielstown, Essequibo Coast, she attended Suddie Primary School in the region, where one particular teacher stood out to her — Sir Beashan Bhagwandas. She grew up admiring him: his technique in teaching, his ability to command attention, and his natural will to motivate his students.

She aspired to emulate that teacher, who made a significant impact on her life. Williams, a mother of one, told Pepperpot Magazine that Sir Bhagwandas made her believe that it didn’t matter where you came from — what mattered was where you were heading and what you would become.

Coming from humble beginnings, this belief resonated within her and motivated her to become a self-starter in life.

Now 44 years old, she stated that Sir Bhagwandas instilled in his students the notion that whatever you dream can be achieved. He had a zest for his job, adored his students, and gave of his time freely, both inside and outside the classroom.

After formally completing secondary school, Williams set her eyes on becoming a teacher and enrolled at the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) in 1999. She began her teaching career the year before, in 1998, at the Agricola Practical Instruction Centre.

“Sir Bhagwandas had a simple motto — CAS: confidence, accuracy, and speed. He instilled that in us daily during classroom sessions and quizzes, and we adapted that motto, which guided us to success,” she said.

Williams also taught at Johanna Cecilia Community High School and was instrumental in guiding the first batch of students to sit the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) exams in 2002. A trained teacher by then, she also prepared the school’s students for their first-ever participation in Mashramani celebrations. Their excellent performance at the drama festival earned her awards as Best Actress and Best Producer.

It was during this time that her passion for poetry and drama blossomed. She founded a dramatic poetry club at the school, which gave students a space to express themselves through performance, especially during the calypso segment of Mash celebrations.

Williams shared that her academic journey advanced further after she graduated from the University of Guyana (UG) in 2010 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education, specialising in home economics.

As a member of the President’s Youth Award Club, she served as a liaison from 2002 to 2005 and participated in various volunteer ventures, including with the Peace Corps during that period.

In 2005, Williams relocated from the Essequibo Coast to Georgetown to attend UG. She began teaching at Kingston Secondary School while also pursuing her studies. After graduation, she was promoted to teach at North Ruimveldt Secondary School, where she became Head of the Home Economics Department.

In 2013, she decided to challenge herself and signed up for the Guyana National Cadet Corps in the Guyana Defence Force (GDF). Unfortunately, she was injured and had her leg in a cast, which prevented her from attending the in-person interview.

Her dream later materialised when the Guyana National Cadet Corps programme was launched at North Ruimveldt Secondary by Lieutenant Colonel Eon Murray, then CEO. The programme was reintroduced in six schools.

Williams and a few other teachers enrolled in the programme after being impressed by Officer Murray’s vision and structure. She explained that training took place on weekends and holidays — a demanding commitment that at times made her want to give up. However, she was encouraged to persevere, especially as the training could not occur during school hours.

She told Pepperpot Magazine that they were also required to participate in community outreach, including medical outreach activities. It was then she realised how much she enjoyed assisting others. Upon completion of the programme, she was awarded the position of Staff Sergeant.

Meanwhile, Williams was promoted to Head Teacher of Nismes Secondary School last year. In addition to her teaching duties, she has been doing a lot behind the scenes to assist others, especially children of immigrants who attend the school. Some live in dire conditions, and care packages have been arranged for them.

She revealed that Nismes Secondary School, formerly a Primary Top, was officially gazetted in September 2024 and has since been elevated to a Grade A school — a transformation made possible through the dedication of both students and teachers.

Williams explained that some students are slow learners, have speech impediments, domestic issues, or cannot read or write properly. The school has implemented literacy programmes to support their development.

These efforts are already bearing fruit: students who were once slow learners are now excelling and recently competed in the Biennial Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) competition. They placed third in three categories — a proud moment for the school and its students.

Although the school has struggled with a stigma as a “low-grade” institution, Williams said they are breaking barriers and striving for academic excellence on par with other schools across the country.

Her learning journey continues. She recently completed an Education Management Certificate with the Ministry of Education and is now pursuing a Master’s in Management, Leadership, and Supervision through the GOAL scholarship programme and another organisation.

Currently, a new building is under construction to house the students of Nismes Secondary School. The old facility still accommodates Grades 5 and 7 only, with 12 teachers. Once completed, the new two-storey structure will serve over 800 students and further cement the school’s Grade A status.

Lashaun Williams has been in the teaching profession for more than 20 years, and her drive to uplift others through education remains as strong as ever.