– Kevin Sooklall named Best Graduate of Health Ministry’s Open-Door Centre programme 2025
Kevin Sooklall during his speech
One young man has proven that the three-letter prefix “dis” in “disability” is not a limitation, but a challenge meant to be conquered.
His name is Kevin Sooklall, who at 22, has boldly stepped into his purpose, showing that he is fully able to accomplish anything he sets his mind to.
Cognitive intellectual disability, often referred to as intellectual disability, is a condition characterised by limitations in both cognitive functioning and adaptive behaviour, appearing before the age of 22. It involves significant limitations in mental functioning, including skills like communication, self-care, and social skills. These limitations can affect learning and development, leading to slower learning and difficulties in various aspects of daily life.
Kevin Sooklall being awarded by Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony
Despite this condition, Sooklall recently graduated from the Ministry of Health’s Disability and Rehabilitation Services Vocational Skills Training Programme at the Schoonord learning Centre for Persons with Disabilities (PWD).
The initiative, delivered through the Open Door Centre—a division of the National Vocational Training Centre—aims to empower persons living with disabilities through skills development and mentorship. But Sooklall didn’t just graduate. He emerged as the Best Graduating Trainee of the 2025 class—an achievement that left the room beaming with pride during the ceremony.
“It is truly an honour to stand before you today as the best graduating trainee of the graduating class of 2025.”
From the very beginning, Sooklall set a tone that was both humble and uplifting – citing his momentous occasion solely due to the work that the educators in the programme granted to him.
“This moment is both humbling and inspiring, and I am deeply grateful to be given this opportunity to share my story. First and foremost, I wish to give thanks to God for guiding me through my educational journey thus far. It is through His grace and strength that I have reached this important milestone.” Amidst this, Sooklall profusely stated that his journey, like that of many others in the programme, was not without challenges.
“Being named Best Graduating Trainee is a title I never imagined would be mine,” he confessed. “Yet, today I stand here as open testimony that what is meant for you will always be yours, no matter the challenges you may face. There were times when I was not given potential, simply because I required more time and support to grasp certain concepts,” he explained.
Despite this, he pushed forward, powered by faith and a strong support system.
“I have been incredibly blessed with a strong and compassionate support system. I must take this moment to express my gratitude to my mother. Mom, your unwavering support, patience, and belief in me have made all the difference.”
“On the days when I felt I had given up or doubted my worth, you were always there to remind me of my value and my purpose. Your strength and faith have been my foundation, and I owe so much of my success to you.”
Along with the hard work he battled with throughout the programme, he also lent his perspective to his teachers and social workers as well, who, according to him, played a big role throughout the programme.
“I am also deeply thankful to my teachers and social workers, both past and present, who have walked this journey with me. Their encouragement, understanding, and dedication played a vital role in my progress.”
Sooklall didn’t sugar-coat the process. He acknowledged the hardships of adapting to new environments, and the struggles of travel. But in the end, he triumphed.
“Adopting to the new school environment and managing the challenge of travel were not easy, but this time I was able to adjust and thrive. My experience at this institution has opened many doors for me. Opportunities I once thought are beyond my reach. I began to experience areas where I previously travelled, and discovered new strengths I didn’t know I had.”
The applause sounded throughout the ceremony, as Sooklall closed his speech with a message not only for his fellow graduates but for anyone who has ever felt limited by their circumstances:
“Never let your limitations define you. Challenges are a part of life, but they do not determine your destiny. Work hard, remain steadfast in your faith, and never stop believing in yourself. What is meant for you will always be reached if you keep going.”
He has not just completed a programme—he has rewritten the narrative of what it means to be abled.
