Veteran educator Shafiran Bhajan, who began teaching at a small primary school in Black Bush Polder more than five decades ago, was honoured by Region Six’s Department of Education at its 2026 Educational Symposium, celebrating a career that has shaped generations of teachers and students across Guyana.
Educators, stakeholders and development partners gathered for the event, which highlighted Bhajan’s achievements and her lasting impact on the profession.
Addressing the symposium, Bhajan reflected on her career and thanked those who had supported her along the way.
Quoting Jawaharlal Nehru, she said that time is measured not by the years that pass, but by what a person does, feels and achieves.
“Today, I give God all honour and glory for the opportunity to leave a legacy. I thank my dear friends for being here today,” she said, while also expressing gratitude to her husband and other close family members for their unstinting support throughout her journey.
Bhajan’s career began in 1974, when she was appointed Assistant Mistress at Lesbeholden Primary School in Black Bush Polder. She rose through the ranks to serve as Senior Mistress at Mibicuri Primary School, then as an Education Officer, before becoming Regional Education Officer for Region Six. She also worked as a part-time lecturer at the University of Guyana.
She later served as Head of Centre at the Cyril Potter College of Education’s Rose Hall Centre, continuing her work in teacher education and professional development.
During her career, Bhajan coordinated several major educational initiatives, including Guyana’s participation in a humanitarian mission led by the United States and representation at UNICEF conferences on child-friendly schools.
She was named the University of Guyana’s best graduating student in 2002 and again in 2004, and was honoured by the Indian Arrival Committee for her contributions to education and national development. She currently serves as Deputy Chairperson of the Teaching Service Commission.
