After nearly two decades in education, 37-year-old Dhankumar Singh proudly graduated from the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) as the Best Industrial Technology Student. “I wasn’t expecting that. I was just working towards being the best Industrial Technology teacher. But it was an accomplished feeling for me at this age,” he shared with the News Room.
Teaching was not Singh’s initial career choice. “After school, I didn’t plan to become a teacher, but the opportunity arose, and after teaching for a couple of years, I realized I had this urge to help,” he recalled.
Now, nearly 19 years later, this realization has become Singh’s life mission. Known for his hands-on approach and enthusiasm for creating, the father of four finds his greatest joy in sharing his skills with students. “I like to do things with my hands, make stuff, and I like sharing what I’ve accumulated throughout my adult life. I saw students in need and decided to teach them a skill so they could become independent individuals,” he explained.
Singh’s path to this achievement was fraught with challenges. Early in his career, he enrolled in the New Amsterdam Training Centre but had to leave after one year due to financial obstacles and the demands of late-night classes and long commutes.
Despite these setbacks, Singh’s determination remained strong. With encouragement from family and friends, he returned to his studies and emerged as a trained educator. “Even though I had been teaching for years, [the college] still taught us things we didn’t know,” he added, highlighting the importance of continual learning.
Today, Singh has no plans to leave the classroom. “I want to help these children. Teaching is a very fulfilling profession, and I feel proud when a police officer stops me on the road and says, ‘Sir, how you doing?’ It’s a rewarding job,” he stated.
Currently serving as an industrial technology teacher at the Hopetown Practical Instruction Centre, Singh exemplifies dedication and passion in educating the next generation.
