CYA, Education Ministry donate school supplies to Sophia children
The less fortunate children of Sophia, Greater Georgetown, and those who had to make do with what little their parents could afford, were on Saturday morning all smiles when the Caribbean Youth Ambassadors for Guyana (CYA) collaborated with the Education Ministry to donate much needed school supplies.
A child receiving his backpack filled with school items from CYA representative Edain Alfred
CYA as part of its “Give a child project” carried out the initiative which saw over 30 children benefiting from the donation held at the Pattenson Community Centre ground, Greater Georgetown.
Each child present was given a backpack filled with school necessities which will see them being fully equipped to tackle the school year.
The organisation also made a large donation of books to the Pattenson Library, housed at the Community Centre.
The donations could not have been possible without the cooperation of members of the Guyanese Diaspora who played a major role.
Jewel Collier-Swan, a member of the non-governmental association explained that after the organisation received information that the children of Sophia were in need of school supplies, they contacted their overseas counterparts and the support was overwhelming.
“We were able to get all of our friends and family overseas and we asked them for supplies for the children of Sophia who were really in need of school supplies. So what they did is they contacted their friends also from overseas and we were able to pack a huge box with these supplies and some toys for the children.”
She along with her companion with whom she works, Edian Alfred, applauded the success of the initiative and pledged their support to continuing the work that they are doing.
Director of Youth of the Education Ministry, Stacy Carmichael highlighted the importance of developing young minds. She noted that it is of utmost importance that we use each opportunity provided to us to improve the lives of our children.
“It is so important to develop our children and to use every opportunity we get to improve their lives and one of the ways in which we can do that is by ensuring that you are equipped with everything that you need to foster your education,” she explained.
Carmichael lauded the efforts of CYA and pledged the Education Ministry’s support to any organisation that seeks to give importance to children.
“The Department of Youth is privileged to be able to partner with any organisation or agency that works towards the development of our young people.”
Apart from donations, the Caribbean Youth Ambassadors bring together outstanding young people within the Americas to participate in an enrichment programme to promote mutual understanding, increase leadership skills, and prepare youth to make a difference in their communities.
