‘Golden Girl’ Francesca Vieira notches half century in education

POPULAR BARIMA/WAINI (REGION ONE) EDUCATOR FRANCESCA STEPHANIE
VIEIRA recently celebrated 50 years as an educator in Guyana.
Vieira received her primary and post-primary education from the Santa Rosa Primary school and
joined the teaching profession in September 1971 at her alma mater where she began her
‘Golden Jubilee’ trek.
Vieira improved her learning and was accepted at the teachers’ training college, the illustrious
Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) in 1977 and graduated two years later as a Grade 1
Class 1 (Assistant Mistress).
She longed to ‘give back’ to the Region One school, unfortunately, ill health prevented that, and
the education ministry appointed her at Montrose Primary School on the east coast demerara
corridor.
There she served for 10 years before reading for an education degree at the Turkeyen campus of
the University of Guyana (UG) becoming the first female from Moruca to obtain a university
degree.
She was later seconded to the Demerara/Mahaica (Region Four) Department of Education as
District Education Supervisor (DES) in 1989. There she excelled and was rewarded with the post
of District Education Officer (DEO) nine years later.
As DEO, she upgraded her learning with a Diploma in Public Administration from UG in 1993.
More promotions awaited her as she acted for various periods between 1997 and 2004 as
Regional Education Officer (REdO) for Region 4. Vieira was then appointed as the first female
Secretary of the Teaching Service Commission in November 2004 where she served until
retiring in March 2011.
She was soon after rehired as Technical Officer/Facilitator to the Chief Education Officer (CEO)
in February 2012, a post she still holds.

In the education circles, she is revered as a strong, passionate advocate for educational
development of hinterland and riverine communities during the 50 years she has served.
Vieira has been commended on numerous occasions by knowledgeable for her perennial
dedication and unselfish service to her charges and the wider education sector.