MANDEVILLE, Manchester — Unlike most of his peers Jayhan Freeman started school at grade three due to his constant struggle with sickle cell disease.

Last Thursday, 11-year-old Jayhan’s determination was evident as he marched with confidence during Villa Road Primary’s school-leaving ceremony as one of 44 graduands.

“I was in the hospital on and off. I would be [discharged] today and the next [day] I would be back in there,” he told the Jamaica Observer moments before the ceremony at Mandeville Baptist Church.

His proud mother, Camile Bowen, said her son has been placed at highly regarded Holmwood Technical High School in northern Manchester based on his performance in the Primary Exit Profile (PEP) examination results.

But despite the known quality of Holmwood Technical, Bowen is in the process of requesting a transfer for him to attend Belair High School.

Members of Villa Road Primary School’s 2026 graduating class stand during their school-leaving ceremony on Thursday at the Mandeville Baptist Church. (Photo: Kasey Williams)

“I am going to do the transfer because, based on the distance to where we live, I want him to be near home in case of any emergency,” said Bowen as she recounted home-schooling Jayhan while he was very ill.

“He started school at grade three as he was in and out of hospital… If he came out like today he would go back in tomorrow, that is how bad it was. When they [Jayhan and his younger brother] were at home, I taught them. His brother is nine years old, and he doesn’t know basic school, but he went straight to grade one and I can tell you about the amount of certificates that he has. I am a proud mom.

“I am overwhelmed with joy because [Jayhan] has come a long way. At one point, when he was admitted in 2019, I could have lost him because of the sickle cell disease but, thanks be to God, he is here. He has been through a lot, and I still couldn’t do it without the Lord,” Bowen added.

She said living with sickle cell disease has been challenging for her son, but still he has been making progress in his academics.

“He is keeping up, for the most part. He is also on medication Hydroxyzine to prevent him from getting a stroke… He did a scan on his brain about three times. He also takes folic acid every day,” she said.

Guest speaker at Thursday’s graduation ceremony, head of the St Elizabeth Police Division Superintendent Coleridge Minto recounted Jayhan’s remarkable story during his address.

Guest speaker and head of the St Elizabeth police, Superintendent Coleridge Minto (left) presenting a gift bag to 11-year-old Jayhan Freeman during Villa Road Primary’s school-leaving ceremony on Thursday at Mandeville Baptist Church. Looking on is vice-chairman of the school’s board, Clive Wint. (Photo: Kasey Williams)

“He serves as an inspiration to his peers, providing an example of perseverance, discipline, and positive mindset that can lead to an outstanding achievement,” Minto said before presenting Jayhan with a gift bag containing a Samsung phone, a book voucher valued at $25,000, and a present for his mother.

“His journey has been characterised by courage, determination and perseverance. Throughout his years he has encountered numerous challenges but has remained steadfast in his commitment to education,” Minto said as he commended Bowen, who has been Jayhan’s primary caregiver and financial supporter.

“Notably, because of his illness, he did not start school until grade three but continues to do well. As a matter of a fact, since starting school…he continues to require medical attention, and he is in different medical facilities from time to time that offer treatment to him. His progress at times depends on the additional care and encouragement provided by his teachers,” said Minto.

“Notwithstanding the challenges he faced he remained committed to his work. His teachers report that this 11-year-old student is hard-working, disciplined, and a well-mannered young man who consistently exemplifies the qualities of an exemplary student who approaches every aspect of his school life with a positive attitude towards learning,” added Minto as he pointed to Jayhan’s language arts and mathematics achievements in PEP.

“Today, we celebrate his resilience and spirit that embod[y] the true meaning of your theme: ‘Rising Strong From Challenges to Triumph’. His story is one of perseverance and an example to many of his peers, and many who will hear his story in the many days and months to come,” added Minto.