At just 27 years old, Ghame Gansham, also known as ‘Dinesh,’ has carved a remarkable path from adversity to success.
Ghame Gansham, also known as ‘Dinesh.’
Hailing from Mahaica, East Coast Demerara (ECD), Dinesh’s childhood was marked by humble beginnings.
LIFE AT MAHAICA
Recalling his early years, Dinesh reminisced about days spent skipping school to engage in childhood joys like playing cricket, swimming in nearby trenches, and gathering fruits in the community Backdam.
Despite his enthusiasm for learning, Dinesh faced ridicule and bullying from peers at Bygeval Secondary School, where he was enrolled after passing the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) in 2008.
Many days, I went to school without a lunch or money to spend. At lunchtime, I would go to the field and spend time there until lunchtime passed. I would return after lunch like I had the best lunch ever, but only I knew how hungry I used to be. But that never stopped me. I continued to push forward, hoping to meet the end one day.
The lack of financial resources pushed this East Coast of Demerara resident to work alongside his father on the farm. He also worked with vendors at the Mahaica market to earn pocket money for school.
Dinesh and his friends posing for a picture after completing CSEC.
Undeterred by these challenges, Dinesh excelled academically. He passed seven subjects in the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination. He graduated as the fourth-best student in his class.
FROM PUMP ATTENDANT TO UG
However, his aspirations extended beyond secondary education, with a desire to become computer literate to enhance his employability.
In pursuit of this goal, Dinesh negotiated with his father to share the financial burden of tuition fees at Global Technology Inc., where he began his studies.
However, fate had other plans when he was unexpectedly offered a job as a Pump Attendant at Rubis Gas Station. Despite initial hesitation, Dinesh recognised the practical advantages of the position, including proximity to home and savings on transportation costs.
I thought for a few minutes that if I take this job, it’s closer to my home, I don’t have to pay transportation fees, I can go home for lunch and be able to save more money to be used in the future to achieve my goals.
The transition to his new role was not without its challenges, as Dinesh faced ridicule and disparagement from customers and former classmates alike. Yet, his resolve remained unshaken as he persisted in his pursuit of financial stability and personal growth.
Many times, I faced insult from customers that only a dunce would do a job like this. Those remarks made me cry many times, but I never gave up because I knew the reason why I took up that job. I was even disgraced of myself whenever my former classmates would pass and see me. I would hide behind the kerosene pump just for them not to see me.
TEACHING AND THE LOVE FOR CHILDREN
In 2014, Dinesh’s journey took a turn when the Teaching Service Commission (TSC) offered him a teaching position. Embracing the opportunity, he discovered a passion for education and a determination to uplift underprivileged children facing circumstances similar to his own.
I wanted to help the many underprivileged or children facing poverty attain a sound primary education. I set out to do that because I’m a testimony of being underprivileged and facing the blunts of poverty. Also, I wanted to be an encouragement and motivation to many children who are school dropouts because of various reasons. I witnessed the implications of this on a child’s life because I have siblings who had to drop out of school due to financial constraints and other family issues.
Driven by his desire to make a difference, Dinesh pursued further qualifications at Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE).
Despite the hardships of juggling multiple responsibilities, he emerged as a proud graduate, equipped with the skills and knowledge to positively impact future generations.
The struggle began when I had to pay a double transportation fee to and from work and college. My salary at that time was a meagre $53,000. Many days, we would stay hungry just to save that money to pay to print assignments, buy stationeries for college and work, and for transportation purposes. This hardship prolonged for two years until I was able to complete college. I didn’t regret any of the hardships I faced because, in the end, I was a proud graduating student of cohort 2015-2017 with credit.
With a thirst for personal development, Sir Dinesh, in 2019, applied at the University of Guyana, where he read for a Bachelor’s Degree in Education-Primary.
However, personal tragedies and family issues threatened to derail his progress. Undeterred, he rose to the challenge, achieving academic excellence and graduating with distinction despite the adversities he faced.
He graduated from the University of Guyana with a 3.6 GPA, copping a Distinction. He attributed this success to the All-mighty, his parents and siblings, teachers, lecturers, friends, and former colleagues.
This 27-year-old recently resigned from teaching to read for his Master’s Degree in the United States of America. He noted that it was a difficult decision, but he is grateful for all the struggles he endured as they moulded him into the person he is today.
