BAVINA SOOKDEO
Wahida Mohammed-Narine has achieved a milestone in her decades-long career as an educator, earning the Pan African Leadership Institute (PALI) Global Award in Educational Leadership. The Global Awards are among the most prestigious recognitions in Africa.
A letter from PALI to Mohammed-Narine, acting principal of San Fernando TML Primary School stated, “It is with great pleasure and pride that I extend my heartfelt congratulations to you on being selected as the recipient of the PALI Global Award in Educational Leadership. After a rigorous scrutiny of the nominees and approval from our esteemed Awards Committee, your exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to public service have been recognised at the highest level. This is a true testament to your profound impact on your community and your dedication to making a meaningful difference.”
[caption id="attachment_1131471" align="alignnone" width="1000"] President Christine Kangaloo accepts a token of appreciation from Wahida Mohammed-Narine, principal of the San Fernando TML Primary School at its graduation ceremony at the Achievor’s Banquet Hall, South Trunk Road, San Fernando on June 22, 2023. -[/caption]
Mohammed-Narine, 57, grew up in Libertville, Rio Claro, in a modest household with her parents, Shido and Katija Mohammed, her grandfather, Solomon, and six siblings. “Despite my parents being urged to keep their four daughters at home to help with the household chores and prepare to become housewives, they sacrificed and sent all their children to school,” she said.
The first to persevere, during her teenage years Mohammed-Narine worked at a village parlour to earn money to assist her parents and to pay for transportation to attend secondary school.
“My mother saw the potential in me and pushed me forward. I saw a window of opportunity to take my family out of poverty through education.”
[caption id="attachment_1131473" align="alignnone" width="616"] Wahida Mohammed-Narine with her father, Shido Mohammed. -[/caption]
After completing secondary school, she did additional studies in San Fernando, attending institutions such as Pitman’s Examination Institute, Dynell’s Secretarial College, San Fernando Technical Institute, the Students’ Accountancy Centre and Combined Accountancy Tutors.
“It was through the opportunity provided by a family in San Fernando that I, who was still a teenager, was able to live and attend school there.”
She volunteered to assist with taking care of an elderly couple, one of whom was ill and bedridden. In exchange, they provided lodging at the couple’s home. Despite having such great responsibilities of taking care of the daily household chores for the couple, she managed to successfully complete her courses with distinction.
Mohammed-Narine’s journey in education began in 1990 at Libertville TML Primary School. Encouraged by her mother, she viewed teaching as an opportunity to share knowledge and positively impact lives especially in the area of Islamic studies.
In 1994 she received her teac
