Office of the Pro Vice-Chancellor and Principal. Wednesday, October 6, 2021 — The University of the West Indies (UWI) Open Campus is pleased to announce the Valedictorian for its 2021 Virtual Presentation of Graduates Ceremony, which will be held on Saturday, October 16, 2021 at 4:00 p.m. EC via UWItv platforms.  

The Valedictorian is Ms Laura Ramoutar of the Open Campus Country Site, St Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago. Laura has satisfied the requirements for the award of the Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood Development and Family Studies with First Class Honours. Apart from obtaining First Class Honours, Laura emerged as the Valedictorian based on a rigorous selection process among five candidates that included a video presentation and an interview. 

Laura’s passion for education is lifelong. From as early as her teenager years, her professional goal was to become a primary school teacher. These ambitions were temporarily delayed as she pursued motherhood and focused on nurturing her children holistically. “From my childhood, I have manifested an unwavering and fiery passion for teaching and learning, combined with an innate desire to be of service to others,” she explained.

When the youngest of Laura’s three children entered pre-school, determination guided her towards employment as a preschool teacher. Increasingly motivated to fulfil her lifelong ambition, in 2018, Laura applied to The UWI Open Campus to read for her degree. Simultaneously, she completed several short courses at a local institute in Trinidad and Tobago in order to enhance her teaching competency. Currently, she supports the learning and development of approximately 70 children through an online tutoring service. 

Having successfully completed her undergraduate degree with the Open Campus, Laura’s goal is to secure a teaching position in a public school as well as to pursue a master’s degree in Inclusive and Special Education.

“Looking at my offspring inspires me to persevere on my quest to create opportunities for the success of children in my country,” Laura said. She intends to continue pursuing personal development with the aim of positively influencing the education sector and persisting in service to people.  

“I continue working towards increasing the quality of life of others and guiding all of my children towards becoming the best version of themselves,” the 2021 Valedictorian stated. 

The UWI Open Campus is proud that Laura chose the Campus to fulfil her lifelong dreams and salute her on this significant academic accomplishment.  As is customary, Laura will deliver the Valedictory Speech at the Graduation Ceremony on behalf of her fellow graduates from across the region on Saturday October 16, 2021.