Anna Mahase
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Dr. (h.c.) Anna Mahase is a Trinidadian educator and administrator. She was a Principal of the St. Augustine Girls' High School in Trinidad and Tobago. She currently[when?] serves as Commissioner of Teaching of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. She is noted for her service to education as well as to other public and charitable organisations.
Early life and education
Mahase was born in the village of Guaico, Trinidad, to Kenneth Mahase and Anna Mahase (Sr.). Her mother was the first Indian woman to become a teacher in 1918.[1] Her father was Headmaster and mother a senior teacher at several Canadian Mission (C.M.) schools. Both played a role in developing early education in rural North East Trinidad.[2]
Mahase attended the Guaico C.M. School (Guaico Presbyterian Primary School), followed by Naparima Girls' High School in San Fernando. Afterwards she studied at Mount Allison University, in New Brunswick, Canada, graduating with a BSc and BEd.
She subsequently received an Honorary degree of Doctor of Laws from Mount Allison University, and another from the University of the West Indies.
Career
After her studies Mahase returned to Trinidad and Tobago and after was appointed Head Teacher of St. Augustine Girls High School. She was the first local woman to hold this post. Her achievements and ideas became the standard for many other secondary schools.
During her long service Mahase received many awards and honours.
National awards:
- Medal of Merit (Gold) (1976)
- Chaconia Medal (Gold) (1990)
- To Commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Independence of Trinidad and Tobago - Selected in Top 50 persons to receive in Excellence in Education and Distinguished Public Service. (2012)
Notable service:
- Member of the Caribbean Examinations Council
- Task Force for Removal of the Common Entrance Examination[3]
- Member of the Council of University of the West Indies
- President of the Trinidad and Tobago Red Cross Society
- Chairman of Trinidad and Tobago Television, NBS
- Head Assessor Guardian Neediest Cases Fund
- Chairman National Commission on Accreditation[4]
- Government Senator (Temporary) during the 6th Republican Parliament (2001)
- Commissioner of Teaching Service Commission
- Chairman of the Red Cross Carnival Committee
References
- ^ "The Cabildo Building". Caribbean History Archives. Blogspot. 30 November 2011.
- ^ Kisson, Freddy (8 September 2007). "Born to teach". Trinidad and Tobago's Newsday. Archived from the original on 2012-06-06. Retrieved 6 June 2012.
- ^ "Problems with Entrance Exams".
- ^ "ACTT". ACTT.[permanent dead link]