Latest update September 6th, 2026 7:34 PM
Despite visual impairment, Corentyne teen shines with 7 Grade Ones at CSEC
(Kaieteur News) – Teachers and students of Skeldon Line Path Secondary School in Corentyne, Region Six, are brimming with pride at the academic achievements of one of the institution’s most beloved students, Afeefa Ally.
The 17-year-old made an impressive showing at the 2026 Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations, earning seven Grade Ones and three Grade Twos.
17-year-old Afeefa Ally
Ally’s performance is being celebrated countrywide as a powerful testimony to navigating one of life’s most challenging tests, and stands as a profound inspiration to persons with disabilities — a reminder that disability need not derail one’s aspirations.
Kaieteur News spoke with the spirited teen at her residence in Corriverton, Corentyne, in the presence of her proud mother and grandmother.
“I am very, very happy and grateful for my results and my support. I expected it, yet it was still a surprise,” Ally shared.
A strong support system
Ally credited much of her success to a firmly established support system built over the years.
“My support was my family, my teachers and my friends. My family supported me with education, and they also provided me with moral support from the time I was in nursery school. My teachers also really supported me, and they adapted very well to having a visually impaired child in the classroom, and tried their best to make me understand the work that they were teaching. And my friends made school a very fun as well as productive journey. They helped me to feel like I belong, and they provided moral support as well.”
The teen is familiar enough with the layout of her home to move around with ease, but she remains wholly dependent on assistance beyond the gate. Navigating her school environment, for instance, presents significant challenges, she shared.
Afeefa nestled between her mother and grandmother
A grandmother’s sacrifice
Ally’s unique circumstances required customised care, which was in no short supply from family members — primarily her grandmother. Ally told this publication that her grandmother has, in more ways than one, been her backbone.
It was her grandmother, Nazra Appalsammy, who significantly adjusted her own life to dedicate much of her time to assisting her granddaughter through school. At 59 years old, Nazra effectively attended high school herself — not for her own benefit, but for Afeefa’s.
“Normally, on a daily basis, I go to school with her, sit in the classroom and take her notes. Every day, from morning till school dismisses in the afternoon,” Nazra told this publication.
Beyond this touching gesture, Nazra would also interpret the lessons for Afeefa — meaning that in this high-stakes undertaking, Nazra herself had to stay mentally sharp in order to grasp and retain what was being taught. She would then commit to helping her granddaughter with revision at home.
Though Afeefa comes across as quiet, her mother was quick to note that she lacks no social energy.
“Outside of school, I love to read and write, and I love to have fun,” Afeefa said.
The next stop on Afeefa’s journey is the University of Guyana (UG), where she plans to pursue studies in Social Work. She hopes to eventually work in the Education Department, sharing that she wants “to be somebody else’s support, like I had my support.”
Afeefa Ally formally wrapped up her Secondary School stint with achieving:
- Caribbean History General- II
- CSEC Mathematics General (Module 1) A
- English ‘A’ General – I
- Emglish ‘B’ General – I
- Human and Social Biology General – I
- Integrated Science General – II
- Mathematics General – II
- Office Administration General – I
- Principles of Accounts General – I
- Principles of Business General – I
- Social Studies General – I
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