From a school Dropout to Determined- Acquiring a GOAL scholarship changed Bethany Mother life

At just 30 years old, Ravina Thomas is a wife, mother of two, a make-up artist and student, embodying resilience and determination.

Growing up in Bethany Amerindian community, Ravina attended Aurora Secondary School but made the difficult decision to drop out in Grade 10.

Reflecting on that time, she admits, “I was young and chose a boy over books.” That boy, however, would later become her husband and partner in life. For years, Ravina put her dreams on hold, focusing on her family and the responsibilities of being a young wife and mother.

But deep down, she knew she wanted more—not just for herself but for her family. In 2023, Ravina took a bold step and applied for the SCQF program, a decision that changed the trajectory of her life. Despite the challenges of juggling family life and studies, she completed the program and proudly earned her diploma.

Not stopping there, Ravina embarked on a journey of higher education, enrolling in a Bachelor’s degree program in Business Administration at Jain University. But her ambition didn’t stop at academics.

In October 2024, she applied for a Nursing Assistant program, was accepted, and is now pursuing it alongside her degree. If that wasn’t enough, Ravina also manages two small businesses—a makeup artistry service and a thriving Brazilian perfume business.

Balancing these ventures with her roles as a mother, wife, and student is no easy feat, but Ravina approaches each day with determination.

“I never give up because I want to be independent and take care of myself and my family,” she says. Ravina’s story is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to chase your dreams.

Despite the challenges and sacrifices, she continues to push forward, proving that with hard work and resilience, anything is possible.

Thomas thanked the Government of Guyana for making the opportunities available to young people.