Single mom defies odds among 469 set to graduate from IDCE

Afiana Lesperance, a single mother whose childhood was marked by hardship and discouragement, is among the 469 students set to graduate from the University of Guyana’s Institute of Distance and Continuing Education (IDCE) on Friday, December 5.
Afiana’s story mirrors that of many IDCE graduands who seized a vital second chance to transform their lives. Completing the Certificate Programme in Industrial Relations and Management has unlocked new possibilities for her, including the opportunity to pursue a degree at the University of Guyana.
Her path was far from easy. As the eldest of seven children raised by a single mother, Afiana confronted low expectations and harsh judgements from teachers and neighbours. “They would say hurtful things like, ‘Nothing good will come from you’. Those words could have destroyed me, but instead, they fuelled my determination,” she recalled.
Afiana credits her son as her greatest source of strength and motivation. “Everything I pushed through, I did for him. He has been my greatest motivation,” she shared.
The turning point came at work when she was denied a job opportunity solely because she lacked the required qualifications. “Those words of denial cut deeper than a knife,” she said. Rather than accept defeat, Afiana reached out to the University of Guyana and learnt that “It’s never too late for anything.” Encouraged, she enrolled in the Industrial Relations and Management programme at IDCE. Balancing studies, full-time employment, and parenting required immense discipline and sacrifice. “My journey was challenging but extremely rewarding. There were many late nights, moments of doubt, and times when I felt overwhelmed. But I persevered because I wanted a better life for my son and myself,” she explained.
Through hard work and perseverance, Afiana now serves as the human resource manager at Professional Guard Services – a position she once thought unattainable. “Graduating means everything to me. It is proof that my past does not define my future. It represents growth, independence, and breaking generational barriers,” she said.
Afiana relied on the support of her son and siblings, who encouraged her when times were tough, and she expressed gratitude for the lecturers and staff at IDCE. Above all, she credits her faith: “I thank God for the courage, strength, wisdom, and understanding that He has blessed me with. Without God, none of this would be possible,” she said.
Having overcome obstacles that many would consider insurmountable, Afiana hopes her story inspires others. “Do not give up on yourself. Your situation is not your destination. You can achieve anything once you believe you deserve better,” she urged.
With her IDCE journey complete, Afiana plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree at the University of Guyana, furthering her qualifications in human resources and management.
The University of Guyana’s Institute of Distance and Continuing Education will host its Convocation on Friday, December 5th, at 13:00 hrs at the University’s Turkeyen Campus. The public is invited to view the ceremony live on the university’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/uniofguyana (Feature by the Department of Events, Conferences and Communication (DECC), Office of the Vice-Chancellor, University of Guyana)