100 migrant students benefit from “Big Sister” mentoring programme

As part of the Education Ministry’s efforts to integrate migrant children into the education system, the Welfare Unit of that Ministry, in collaboration with the Disaster Risk Prevention and Migrant Unit and UNICEF, hosted a “Big Sister” mentoring programme.
In a release, the Ministry said the programme, which commenced on July 10, will end today. It is aimed at helping adolescent girls to navigate the challenges facing them as they commence living in a new country. Although the programme was intended to target young girls, a number of adolescent males showed interest in the programme and participated.
Over the last few weeks, some 100 migrant students from Regions Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) and Four (Demerara-Mahaica) have benefitted from the programme, which helped them to learn English. The students also engaged in arts and craft, and were introduced to Guyanese culture through food, games, and socializing.
Chief Schools’ Welfare Officer Vickram Mohabir has said the goal is to ensure that migrant children complete secondary school. Further, he expressed gratitude to the teachers and students who participated in the programme, and noted that there are plans to roll out a Big Brother Programme which would target adolescent boys.
The programme also saw Her Excellency First Lady Mrs. Arya Ali showing her support by donating personal care hampers to the young girls.
The second round of the programme is scheduled to commence on August 15 at the Leonora Secondary School.