Jenny Mohammed has been deemed by many of her peers as a beacon of hope, inspiration, and dedication.

At 54, Mohammed’s journey is one of unwavering commitment to uplifting others and making a positive impact on the lives of those she encounters within her community in Charlieville.

A former primary school teacher with 35 years of teaching experience, she recently retired after having taught at four primary schools in Trinidad.

But Mohammed’s journey with respect to service to humanity is far from over, as she now fulfils many roles in leadership, education, and counselling.

Presently, she is the vice president of ASJA Ladies Association, president of the Markaz Al ASJA Ladies Group, and coordinator of the Maktab (Islamic classes for children) at her mosque.

Recently, she was appointed as manager of the ASJA Girls’ College in Charlieville and religious education instructor at the Charlieville ASJA Early Childhood Education Centre. Mohammed holds a teacher’s diploma, a BSc in psychology, and has completed several programmes in marriage, youth, and family counselling.

Mohammed, now a devout Muslim, was not born into Islam. “I was captivated by the beauty of the faith and fell in love with Islam with each passing year,” she said of her conversion from Catholicism.

“It is a beautiful religion, and if studied carefully and if the Qu’ran is read and interpreted correctly, one will see that there are many solutions to any problems that we are facing in our homes, relationships, and society. But unfortunately, this image is not portrayed. However, if we follow the principles and we use the model that we have in Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), we would be very good human beings and that means a better family, a better society, and a better world. Coming from a non-Muslim background to have fallen in love with this religion, I have a duty now to share my love and appreciation for it to the young minds and to mold them…to get them excited and to love Islam.”

In her formative years, Mohammed attended the Ecclesville Presbyterian School, having lived in Rio Claro until she got married, and can distinctly remember her teachers who made an indelible impression on her. Reflecting on her journey into the field of education, she reminisces about her admiration for the high level of commitment and professionalism displayed by Rasheeda Nanan and Trevor Phillip.

But, she told WMN, “My dream of becoming a teacher crystallized during my interaction with Miss Vashti Persad, the agricultural science teacher when I attended the Rio Claro Senior Comprehensive School.”

Mohammed’s path took a turn when her father, the sole breadwinner of the family, had to retire for medical reasons at 47 and lost his vision before her 18th birthday.

[caption id="attachment_1075440" align="alignnone" width="538"] Jenny Mohammed says she is captivated by the beauty of Islam.[/caption]

During that phase of familial transition, Mohammed, being the eldest child, took the reins of providing for the family with her caring and dedicated mother.

H