About you?
Tell us about yourself
My name is FUNG FONG YOU Frédéric, and I am 26 years old. I'm a school teacher and I teach on the Haut Maroni, in the commune of Grand Santi. This year, I started my new school year as head of the primary school in the village of Apagui. It's a school that can take no fewer than 200 children.
Your business
Can you tell us about your job? What does it involve?
I started as a trainee teacher in September 2018, and the following year I became a permanent teacher at Apagui primary school in the commune of Grand Santi. As a primary school teacher, you may be required to teach classes from nursery to CM2. We pass on knowledge and skills to the pupils, while instilling in them the values of citizenship of the Republic. It's a job that requires patience, because we often have to repeat ourselves. Depending on where we work, we need to be very adaptable and pedagogical. My primary mission is to teach and enable pupils to learn and acquire skills.
My job as headteacher is different. It involves acting as an intermediary between the teachers and the institution we serve, the Ministry of Education. My duties are different from those of a teacher: I have to inform, pass on information and alert my superiors to any problems. I act as a 'channel' between the institution and the staff in post (teachers).
I also have a role in supporting colleagues and talking to parents.
What do you like about your job?
When I was younger, I never imagined myself as a teacher. I discovered this profession during my studies at the University of Guyana. What I like about this job is the closeness and the bond that we can create with the students. What's more, the transmission of knowledge and the success of the students are important points that allow us to see the beauty of our profession. The success and achievement of my pupils is a victory for me. It just goes to show what an enormous capacity children have for learning, and it helps shape the citizens of tomorrow.
Your training courses
Tell us about your training. Which course did you follow?
First of all, I obtained a general Baccalauréat in the Scientific series, then I tried the PACES. I then went on to do a Biology-Biochemistry-Biotechnology degree. At the end of my bachelor's degree, I applied for several master's degrees and was selected for a master's degree in teaching. During my first year, all I had to do was the courses and the CRPE competitive examination for school teachers. I passed and was admitted to Master 2 as a trainee.
What have you learnt from your training courses?
It wasn't easy for me at first. Having never taught before, I found it difficult to convey concepts and to act as a 'teacher'. However, I was able to rely on the support of several teachers in the Master's programme and fellow students, who helped me to secure my tenure.
During my Masters 2, I was lucky enough to take part in the Maroni River Mission. Thanks to this, I discovered many places and several schools on the Maroni, from Providence to Antécume-Pata. When it came to choosing a posting, I naturally chose the Apagui primary school. It's a real experience that allows you to grow and develop, even if sometimes the conditions aren't easy.
