25-year-old Lushawnae Faith Naughton, a University of Guyana graduate and former high school teacher, recently launched Ms. Faith’s Learning Centre. The primary mission of Ms. Faith’s Learning Centre is to empower students with the tools and confidence they need to excel academically and personally. Lushawnae believes in the philosophy of Kaizen—continuous improvement—and aims to instill this mindset in all our students.
Her goals for Centre’s future include expanding the range of subjects offered, creating employment opportunities for young freelance educators, and incorporating more technology-driven learning tools. Naughton will also work towards reaching more students, especially those in underserved and far-flung communities, through both in-person and online programs. Another goal for her learning centre will be to expand enough to provide scholarship opportunities for students who may not have the resources but have the drive to get to where they need to be.
Who is Lushawnae Faith Naughton?
Lushawnae is the eldest of five children and currently holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. She has an enduring passion for combining continuous improvement with effective education and good mental health practices. She is also known for her engaging lessons, creative teaching methods, and genuine care for her students. She is the kind of teacher who makes a lasting impact on her students.
She also taught chemistry and mathematics for two years at Queen’s College, as well as for three years as a part-time lab demonstrator and then graduate tutor at the University of Guyana. At age 16, Naughton she began doing freelance tutoring, and the money earned assisted in funding school expenses. What was once a means of assisting personal success turned into a desire to ensure community success.
“Educating and empowering others has always been a point of fulfillment for me, and I pride myself in providing or being a part of the provision of platforms for holistically achieving the same. This profound sense of purpose has led to me serving in the local content department of SBM Offshore with rigorous commitment, as I aim to play my part in enhancing and involving Guyanese services, wishing to be a part of the oil and gas movement,” Naughton stated.
Further, she added, “Before the official establishment of my business, I did freelance tutoring to fund my education and travel expenses in high school. From that venture, I recognized that I had an innate passion for helping students understand complex concepts in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and it led to me tutoring part-time at the University of Guyana. I also tutored local and international students while being a full-time chemistry major at the University of Guyana.
“Once I graduated with distinction, I served at Queen’s College but resigned a few years later for career advancement opportunities. However, upon leaving, my desire to create an environment where students can experience personalized learning only heightened. I thought of ways to preserve my passion while still advancing myself career-wise, thus the dawn of my business.”
Naughton, a Christian by religion, prayed ceaselessly when she felt it was nearing the end of her journey as a full-time teacher. For her, leaving was a very difficult decision, as she created beautiful connections and memories as well as being able to play an active role in developing students both personally and academically. However, the instructions from God were clear to her, and the opportunities that she prepared for began to present themselves in ways that she could never have imagined. She knew it was time to let go, and that her passion just needed to take a different form.
Overcoming personal challenges, helping her students reach for the stars
One of Naughton’s biggest challenges was building her self-confidence to formalize my services and launch her business. “I wanted perfection before becoming a brand, and it took me some years to recognize that one doesn’t need to be perfect to start. I don’t worry as much about my competence or becoming the most popular service. I am more confident in God, and I trust that what is mine is already on its way to me. I do intend to continue to put in the work, nonetheless,” she mentioned.
Her teaching experience gave her a strong foundation for understanding the diverse needs of students and how to meet them effectively. It also enhanced her patience, resilience, and improved her understanding of the importance of building strong relationships. Naughton was able to explore and recognize her unique teaching styles and the thankless demands of teachers, from plans and records to execution.
For Lushwnae, the most rewarding feeling is witnessing her students gain confidence in subject areas in which they once struggled. “Watching them go from, “Miss this is thing hard!” to “Miss, can you give me some homework on this topic? I’m beginning to like it” is an unmatched experience,” the young entrepreneur highlighted.
To constantly better herself, she became a student in the game of learning, and observed that academic success, most times, lends significantly to a student’s perception of themselves. Thus, in creating an environment of continuous improvement, they over time see in themselves what she saw from the very beginning, and it is then that Naughton becomes satisfied.
Ms. Faith’s Learning Centre has several success stories, but one that stands out is a student who initially had difficulty grasping basic English concepts. Though her services are STEM-focused, Lushawnae recognized that one of the greatest hindrances to a child doing well in math is comprehension. She then recognized the importance of breaking down questions during her practice sessions to assist her students in learning. Based on the various concepts taught, that student improved their analytical thinking skills and achieved distinctions in mathematics and chemistry.
Lushawnae’s advice to other teachers, who may want to start their own teaching venture is: “Start with a clear vision of what you want to achieve and be prepared for the challenges that come with entrepreneurship. Understand and respect that now, more than ever, education is key, and we need to be drivers of local capacity building through the services we offer. There are several opportunities for growth in education in our country, charge after them to ensure a well-equipped new generation and ultimately a greater Guyana. Most importantly, embrace a mindset of continuous improvement, both for yourself and your business.”
