Many might think that at the age of 34 or 41, a person ought not be concerned about getting her first subjects at the secondary level.

Perhaps those persons should be more preoccupied with other aspects of life, such as career, family and planning for retirement.

However, for Carleen Cooke and Rhonda Aird, their age did not prove to be a deterrent for them, as they sought to improve their lives.

For Cooke, 34, this was a case of proving to her 13- and nine-year-old daughters, as well as herself, that there was nothing that was beyond them.

"I wanted to get the experience for my girls to motivate them that they can do anything they put their mind to," she told The Gleaner in a phone interview yesterday.

The first time

It was a 'mountain' to climb for Cooke, as she had left school 19 years ago at the age of 15 and was taking her Caribbean Secondary Examination Certificate (CSEC) examinations for the first time.

"It was very challenging and very frustrating in class, as some of the words in class I didn't know the meaning of sometimes in dictation. Sometimes I felt like I should be in grade one at primary school," the resident of St John's Road in St Catherine said.

Cooke, however, stuck to it and is glad that her persistence paid off with passes in office administration and social studies at the CSEC level.

Cooke plans to pursue mathematics and English in the upcoming year, and plans to improve herself each year.

"I stayed there and tried and got the experience, which was very good, and now I'm looking to go forward and I'm very elated," she said beaming.

Cooke's success was aided by the Ebony Vale Baptist Church Evening Institute in St Catherine.

The institute, which has been operating for two years, offers free classes to members of the community and surrounding areas in St Catherine.

Janet Harriott, coordinator at the facility, told The Gleaner the organisation assists individuals regardless of their age or financial status.

Subjects offered

All the teachers at the facility volunteer. Harriott says that they offer subjects in math, English language, social studies, office administration, human and social biology, principles of accounts and principles of business.

"Our inspiration really came from helping people. We looked at it as an opportunity to give back to the community. The students put their all into it and the teachers go along as well."

Rhonda Aird is a past beneficiary of the institute. At the age of 41, she is seeking to obtain a degree in business education as she seeks to fulfil her goals of becoming a teacher. Two years ago, she obtained her first subjects with help from the institute.

Aird heard about the institute from her brother and decided to give it a try. She now believes that education is a crucial avenue for many beleaguered Jamaicans who see no way out.

"Most persons who come from broken homes are not literate. They follow in their parents' footsteps and do not seek to rise above that. I really believe people in the ghetto can rise above their situation and I believe that if they put in the effort, they can do that."