March 8th was International Women’s Day and today we once again recognise women in the technical and vocational field. These sisters have already been recognised by their institution – the Government Technical Institute (GTI) – on its Facebook page. Read and cheer them on as they follow their dreams.
Shalini Dharundhar is a 17-year-old student of GTI, pursuing the Ordinary Diploma in Science (Chemistry). “In the realm of science, success extends beyond the ordinary. This programme provides me with both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experiences, forming a strong foundation for understanding scientific principles. I am confident that immersing myself in this course will enable me to contribute significantly to scientific advancements and I can positively impact the world,” she was quoted as saying.
Koreen Gittens is a 35-year-old Legal Clerk at the Deeds and Commercial Registries Authority. She started her career with the Diploma in Commerce but decided to switch to a non-traditional programme. She is currently pursuing Welding Level Two. “The reason for choosing welding is because I firmly believe that every female should have a skill but I wanted mine to be unique from the other females who choose nails, hair and makeup. Therefore, I am striving to become one of the most versatile women welders in Guyana,” she was quoted as saying.
Amollica Gomes, who completed Motor Vehicle Repairs and Welding Level 1, is a finance clerk at a prestigious organisation. She was not sure what she wanted to do after trying Motor Vehicle Repairs, but was intrigued by doing a skills-based programme, since she was business oriented, that gave a result or a product. She fell in love with Welding and is currently completing the Level Two programme. She plans to pursue higher learning in Welding at a school in Trinidad and is excitedly looking forward to sharing her knowledge of welding by teaching the skill in the future.
Amarylis Lewis, is a 41-year- old student who always had the passion for welding but never really considered pursuing the programme until a joke was made and a friend dared her to pursue it and she took up the challenge. “The programme is interesting except for the burns. But I totally enjoy the fact that I now understand the concepts of welding and how it applies in the construction arena,” she was quoted as saying.
Nkechi McRae is a Level One Welding student who is pursuing this course because she is interested in dominating the field as a woman. “I like a good challenge and since a lot of females would not pursue this course, it gives me the advantage to challenge the guys. Initially I thought pursuing Welding and Fabrication would be difficult, but I fell in love with the field and I have been excelling – Do what you love,” she was quoted as saying.
Sisters pursue your dreams whatever they may be. Just be resilient and determined and go for it even if it is in a male dominated field. Life is too difficult and short for us not to go after that in which we find peace.
