Fenella Wenham
Fenella Wenham-Sheppard is a Dominican educator, youth leader, and political figure who currently serves as the Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Human Resource Planning, Vocational Training, and National Excellence. Her career spans over two decades in education and community advocacy, focusing on youth development and educational reform.
Early Life and Education of Fenella Wenham-Sheppard
Fenella Wenham-Sheppard was born and raised in Portsmouth, one of Dominica’s largest towns. Her early exposure to public service and activism was shaped by local political figures, notably the late Roosevelt ‘Rosie’ Douglas. These early influences inspired a passion for national development and education. She pursued studies in teaching and began her professional journey at the Portsmouth Secondary School, the same institution where she had studied.
Career in Education and Youth Engagement
For over 18 years, Wenham served as a teacher at Portsmouth Secondary School, where she became known for her hands-on approach to learning. She championed initiatives that emphasized digital literacy, critical thinking, and real-world application of academic skills. Her influence extended outside the classroom as she became involved in national youth leadership.
She was elected the first female president of the National Youth Council of Dominica and later served as a CARICOM Youth Ambassador. Through these platforms, she represented Dominica in regional discussions and initiatives aimed at enhancing youth participation in governance and community development.
Political Appointment and Government Role
In December 2022, she was appointed as Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Human Resource Planning, Vocational Training, and National Excellence. Her mandate includes responsibility for education reform and human resource development across the island.
Working closely with the Minister and senior officials, she supports the execution of policies aligned with national frameworks such as the National Resilience Development Strategy 2030 (NRDS) and the Digital Economy Development Plan. Her efforts also extend into strengthening vocational pathways through the Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ) and National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) programs.
Key Contributions and Focus Areas
Wenham-Sheppard has been directly involved in post-disaster educational reconstruction, especially through her participation in the China-Aid Project of Schools Reconstruction in Dominica, ensuring that modern and resilient educational infrastructure is restored following hurricanes.
She advocates for inclusive learning environments, improved teacher training, and partnerships with regional institutions to enhance curriculum relevance. As part of her outreach, she engages with students and teachers on the importance of creativity, digital learning, and lifelong education as tools for personal and national advancement.
Community Roots and Legacy
Despite her growing national profile, Fenella Wenham-Sheppard remains closely tied to her community in Portsmouth. She continues to mentor young leaders and promote civic responsibility among Dominican youth. Her trajectory from local teacher to national policymaker reflects a dedication to public service rooted in education, equality, and empowerment.