Competition launched for school-age children to win laptops
Guyanese-owned and women-led businesses, SURE GIG and PASPAK have embarked on a mission to elevate the position of underserved children whose schooling has been severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. On Friday, the businesses launched a competition in which primary and secondary school children can win laptops.
CEO of SURE GIG and PASPAK, Filisha Duke (left) and Marketing Representative Alyssa Gibs
For entry, primary school children are being asked to send a one-minute video on why they think they deserve to win a laptop. Secondary school students are required to do the same. However, their videos have to be three minutes. They are required to record the videos in their school uniform.
The videos along with their names and the names and address of their parents must be submitted via WhatsApp number 630-3505. The closing date for entries is November 15, 2020. Winners will be announced on November 30, 2020. On December 18, 2020, there will be an award ceremony for the handing over of the computers to winners.
Submissions will be judged on clarity of expression, organisation of ideas and relevance to the topic. The judges will be selected from donor organisations who will review the video which will then be shortlisted by a team from SURE GIG and PASPAK.
Chief Executive Officer of the companies, Filisha Duke, is, therefore, appealing with companies to “come together” and provide laptop computers to children across Guyana, through her initiative “Creating Champions.”
According to her, the aim of the project is to acquire at least 100 computers through corporate partnerships and distribute them through the competition.
Duke said: “Although we recognise that all children are facing challenges at this time, we would like to ensure that the [laptops] are reaching those in the greatest need, and who would not have an opportunity otherwise to acquire a device.”
She added, “We are kindly asking private and other entities to consider joining us on this noble journey that will impact and change the lives of many households and children of our nation.”
SURE GIG and PASPAK plan to engage in an extensive online and offline campaign to reach as many young people as possible and build the goodwill of their donor companies. Current partnering companies are Stenna Drilling, AOSI, Global EDGE, Sparkly Fresh, EMTEC, Co-Grow and MBW Energy Support Services. The initiative has already met 40 per cent of its target.
