11 orphanages secure sponsorship through the First Lady’s ‘Adopt an Orphanage’

Eleven orphanages across Guyana will begin receiving significant financial and material support from corporate sponsors through the “Adopt-an-Orphanage” initiative, introduced by First Lady Arya Ali in 2021.
This year’s sponsorship agreements were formalised during the launch of the third phase of the initiative, held on Thursday at State House, Main Street, Georgetown.
The 2025 total represents an increase of two orphanages compared to last year.
Among the institutions benefiting are the Red Cross Convalescent Home, Bless the Children Home, Shaheed’s Boys and Girls Orphanages, Hope Children’s Home, and Joshua’s Children Home, among others.
Some of the sponsors include the Amara Hope Foundation, the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Guyana, Guyana Shore Base Inc., and other corporate and individual partners.

Speaking at the launch, First Lady Arya Ali emphasised the importance of sustained corporate and community support in creating a nurturing environment for vulnerable children across Guyana.
“This sponsorship will primarily cover their utilities and other monthly expenses. Just yesterday, while finalising preparations for today’s launch, I decided to crunch some numbers to get an idea of the level of investment we’ve made since 2021,” she stated.
According to her, a substantial amount of funding has been generated through the initiative over the past four years.
“I’m proud to share with you today that since the program was launched in 2021, we have – with the support of the private sector – invested close to $100 million in these homes. That averages to about $25 million a year being invested in the lives of our children living in these homes,” the First Lady noted.
She added that this investment has gone toward the monthly sponsorship of utilities and recurrent expenses. Contractors have also undertaken repairs and maintenance, while sponsors have funded healthcare services, including eye tests and the provision of free spectacles.
She also reflected on the broader impact of the initiative, highlighting how Guyana is a better place than it was five years ago thanks to the contributions of private and public partners.
“In 2021, I launched the Adopt-an-Orphanage initiative in response to a request from one home for greater support. I dislike using the word ‘orphanage’ – I prefer ‘home.’ From the start, I wanted to ensure this was a long-term, sustainable program. Today, we launch the fourth phase, which will run for another year. Over the next 12 months, 11 homes will be sponsored by the companies represented here today.”
Meanwhile, Human Services and Social Security Minister Dr Vindya Persaud underscored the importance of ongoing public and private sector involvement.
“We must never stop. Nothing right now is perfect, and perhaps nothing ever will be. But we must never stop trying to elevate what we do to a state of excellence. Today, I am very, very happy that so many of you will be benefiting – almost all of our homes. Eleven out of seventeen receiving support is magnificent.”
Also speaking at the event, Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Yang Yang, described the program as a reflection of the enduring strength of the China-Guyana partnership – one grounded not only in economic cooperation but also in shared humanity and a commitment to children’s futures.
“Today’s donation is more than a gesture of charity. It is an investment in dignity, an investment in stability, and an investment in the very future of Guyana.”
Providing a testimonial was Melissa Permaul, administrator of Shaheed’s Boys’ and Girls’ Orphanages. She expressed gratitude for the initiative and outlined its tangible impact.
Stating that the orphanage, in which she is a part of, has been blessed to experience the benefits of this initiative first-hand, through the First Lady’s intervention and the generosity of our sponsors who answered the call.
She added that beyond the material support, this initiative has brought something just as important, which is dignity and hope for the young boys and girls.
She concluded that they now understand that they are seen, heard, valued, and supported by people who genuinely care about their future.a