Latest update November 13th, 2024 1:00 AM
Sep 04, 2019 News
Minister of State, Dawn Hastings-Williams has expressed the hope that she can inspire more Indigenous girls to dream big and achieve their goals.
Guyana’s first Indigenous Minister of State sees herself as an inspiration to young Indigenous girls.
“Someone they can look up to…they can say ‘if Miss Dawn could have made it, so can I!’ Some girls hope to be parliamentarians. They want to be a minster. They want to be the president… They are now recognising what they can do for their communities.”
Appearing as a guest on the National Communications Network (NCN) Vbyz 100.1 FM, the minister noted that as a child growing up in Kako, Region 7, girls most often aspired to become teachers or nurses.
A member of the Akawaio nation, Minister Hastings-Williams initially dreamt of becoming a pediatrician, as she recognised the need for a full-time doctor in her village- something that has been realised under this Coalition Government.
Her next choice was that of a lawyer.
However, following the death of her mother, the minister was forced to leave school at the Fourth Form level. She opted to take up teaching at age 17. This saw her studying at the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE,) where she obtained a Certificate in Education (Primary), before attending the University of Guyana where she graduated with a Bachelor in Education Administration.
After a spell as a head teacher, Minister Hastings-Williams entered into the political arena.
Her foray into politics began by attending village meetings. It was there that, Minister Hastings-Williams said she recognised the need for education, health and land issues to be addressed. These, she noted, are high on the Coalition’s hinterland agenda. The minister noted that while the nation has started to move in the right direction, there’s much more to be done, as the push for equal opportunities continue. She cited the fact that Hinterland and Public Sector Ministry scholarships expanded under the Coalition Government. Also, the fact that one of the recent top CSEC performers was a hinterland student, she explained, was an example of what hinterland youths could achieve when given the opportunity.
“They have demonstrated that if given that equal opportunity, that push, that encouragement, they can perform like anybody else.”
The push to ensure equal opportunities continues with the opening of two Upper Mazaruni primary schools later this week, in Parima and Kamarang.
Later this year, other schools will be opened at Imbaimadai and Kako. (DPI)
Nov 13, 2024
– GBF president promises competitive team Kaieteur Sports – The Guyana Basketball Federation (GBF) has officially confirmed Guyana’s participation in the highly anticipated 2024...…Peeping Tom Kaieteur News- So, there I was, blissfully dreaming about cappuccinos and tropical sunsets, when I heard... more
By Sir Ronald Sanders Kaieteur News – There is an alarming surge in gun-related violence, particularly among younger... more
Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.
Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: [email protected] / [email protected]