FOR eleven-year-old Kaydon Josiah Mal, the 2026 National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) was much more than an examination. It became a powerful testament to courage, resilience and an unbreakable bond between a father and son.
For months leading up to the examinations, Kaydon made countless sacrifices in pursuit of his dreams.
He gave up his free time, rarely watched television, stayed away from his phone and spent very little time playing with friends. His days were filled with school and extra lessons. Leaving home early each morning, he would often return at around 17:30 hours, only to eat dinner and head out again for classes.
But nothing could have prepared him for the heartbreak that awaited him on the eve of his exams.
On April 28, 2026, just hours before he was due to sit the most important examinations of his young life, Kaydon lost his father Floyd Mal due to a car collision. The devastating news came early the next morning as he woke at 05:00 hours to begin his final revision.
In one of the most difficult moments of their lives, two of Kaydon’s mentors, Sir Martin Samaroo and Sir Justie Ramdass, stepped forward to support the grieving family. Arriving at their home at dawn, they gently broke the heartbreaking news to the young pupil and offered prayers and words of encouragement.
Despite the overwhelming grief, they urged Kaydon to find the strength to sit his examinations.
His mother Sherika Mal recalls the emotional days that followed.
“Honestly, my son and I were both nervous, but before the results came out, I assured him that no matter what the outcome was, I was already extremely proud of him simply for showing up and writing those exams.”
When the results portal finally opened, she entered her son’s information with trembling hands. Seconds felt like hours as the page loaded.
“When I saw his marks and the school he was awarded, I broke down in tears—tears of both joy and sadness. This is more than exam results. It is proof of his courage and determination. He is a strong and brave child, and I could not be prouder of him.”
Kaydon’s hard work earned him a place at Anna Regina Multilateral School, the very institution his father had attended years earlier.
His father often reminded him that one day he, too, would walk the halls of Anna Regina Multilateral, affectionately encouraging his beloved son—whom he lovingly called “Lovebird”—to make the family proud.
Although his father is no longer here to celebrate this milestone, Kaydon’s mother believes his spirit lives on through his son’s achievement.
“This accomplishment is dedicated to his father because he was determined to write those exams to make him proud. It hurts that he is not here with us today, but I know he is looking down on his Lovebird.”
Now preparing for the next chapter of his life at Anna Regina Multilateral School, Kaydon has already set his sights on an even bigger dream: becoming a doctor.
His teachers, especially Sir Martin Samaroo, have long encouraged him, often saying with confidence, “Dr. Mal in the making.”
For Kaydon Josiah Mal, the road to success has been marked by sacrifice and unimaginable loss. Yet, through courage, determination, and the love of those around him, he has proven that even in life’s darkest moments, hope can still shine brightly.