With a passion for teaching, our Young Professional for this week is the dedicated and ambitious Kimberly L. Anthony who is on a mission to help young people enjoy the best of their school life and make something of themselves and wants to be one of the people who is responsible for setting them on the right path. Photo: Provided

Our Young Professional and her class. Photo: Provided

Students at the launch of the Bambelela homework programme in January 2014. Photo: VINO/File

Kimberly L. Anthony and her husband. Photo: Provided

Surrounded by the love of her three children. Photo: Provided

“I would say that teaching was probably in my genes as my mother is also a teacher and from my younger days I always wanted to help her mark [test papers],” she said.

Our Young Professional has been in the teaching profession since 2002 and worked at the Enid Scatliffe Primary School, the Ebenezer Thomas Primary School and now the Isabella Morris Primary School.

In setting the foundation for her career path, she attended the Ebenezer Thomas Primary School in Sea Cows Bay before moving on to the then BVI High School. She then enrolled at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) where she received an Associate's Degree in Primary Education before completing a University of the West Indies programme delivered in Paraquita Bay thereby earning her Bachelor's Degree.

Kimberly is the mother of three wonderful children and disclosed that studying at the UWI campus in Cave Hill Barbados was challenging because she also had to tend to the needs of her children. “I had three children, so it was challenging having to do my assignments and having to help with their assignments. So that was a bit challenging at times,” she said.

Asked what she found most fulfilling about her job, she said teaching Grade 2 or Class 1 she has observed that when some of the students start the class they are weak but they later pick up steam. “So even if it is just one child's life you are able to touch during that time it is fulfilling,” she said.

As her next career move, Kimberly said she and her mother hope to open their own preschool and day care centre. She also wants to pursue her Master’s degree.

The dedicated school teacher has been trained to play the saxophone and the piano.

Bambelela

Our Young Professional explained the origins of the First District Homework Programme, of which she is a tutor, known as Bambelela, a word in an African language which means ‘never give up’. She said it was conceptualised by First District Representative Honourable Andrew A. Fahie and designed to help students of the district with their homework. The tutors are paid a stipend but the students attend the programme for free.

“I was there from the inception. I was chosen by Honourable Fahie and I accepted. We assist the students Mondays through Thursdays with their homework and their projects,” she said.

She added that not only have grades improved, but self-esteem also.

Advice to young people

Asked to leave some advice to young people, our Young Professional said, “Live your life to the fullest, there are many stumbling blocks lining the road ahead of you, treat every fall as an opportunity to rise again cognizant of that which impeded success the time before. Stay in school, you have an inalienable right to an education; the tools attained in the school will empower you long after you leave the classroom.”

She continued, “Remember, if you dream it and believe that you can achieve it; then nothing can stand between you and your goal but YOU. Lastly, where ever you go in life, be obedient, be responsible and be respectful at all times as these things speak to the very content of your character. And despite it all, BAMBELELA!"