Eleven-year-old Jaden Haripershad from Jacklow Primary School on the Pomeroon River has made his parents and community proud by excelling in this year’s National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA).
Jaden, who has congenital medical conditions including cerebral palsy, club feet, and esotropia, a condition where one eye turns inward, secured the second-highest marks in his school, an impressive 472.23 points, earning him a place at the Anna Regina Secondary School, Region Two’s prestigious institution.
Jaden’s parents, Shelly Stephen and Jeetendra Haripershad, said that Jaden’s condition may compel them to relocate [from Jacklow] to facilitate Jaden’s attendance at Anna Regina Secondary, which they prefer or Georgetown for medical reasons. A dormitory lifestyle, his parents say, is not ideal for Jaden given his medical conditions and disabilities. Migrating to the Essequibo Coast or Georgetown, Jaden’s mom Shelly says, means he will continue to receive the necessary medical care he is receiving from the Suddie Public Hospital Rehabilitation Centre as he pursues his secondary education. Relocating, whether to the Essequibo Coast or Georgetown, poses its own challenges as far as housing goes, Shelly admits.
Jaden himself expressed happiness with his performance and determination to succeed despite his partial vision. He aspires to become a lawyer and to continue making his parents proud. “I gave it my best shot. I love mathematics and was always first in my school. I expected good grades and am happy to make Region Two proud,” Jaden said.
Shelly could not hide her joy over her son’s accomplishments, noting that it was he who was determined to make his school and region proud.
