“Wish Upon a Star” initiative launched in time for Christmas
Wish Upon a Star, an initiative conceptualised by the Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud, aimed at fulfilling the dreams of children with special needs during the festive season, was recently launched.
Anyone who would like to partner with the Ministry in making this a reality for the children is welcomed. “We want to be able to ensure that children are very happy for this festive season; we want to make them feel special,” Dr Persaud stated.
The Ministry is focusing on children between the ages of four and 15 years old with special needs, such as those living with disabilities; children who would’ve experienced some traumatic or psychological incident in their life; who have lost their parents and do not have guardians or caregivers; and who would’ve never had the opportunity to enjoy that one gift that could make them incredibly happy.
Dr Persaud delivered on her promise to make any wish come through as one of the lads met His Excellency, Dr Irfaan Ali
“All they need to do is put that handwritten note in the box saying what they want. If they can’t do that and you (parent/guardian) can, that’s also welcome because at the end of the day, we’ll try to make those wishes into a reality,” Persaud stated.
In crafting the initiative, the Minister had especially taken into consideration how children generally look forward to Christmas and how granting their special wishes can have a profound impact on them.
Having received over 350 handwritten letters last year, the Ministry’s “Santa Helpers” had the difficult task of reviewing the heartfelt requests and determining who was eligible to receive gifts.
Minister Vindhya Persaud with a young boy during last year’s Wish Upon a Star initiative
Nevertheless, as she wrapped up the event, Persaud stated “There were moments of smiles and tears as I watched these children receive their gifts. There isn’t a price tag for a child’s smile.”
Five-year-old Ayush Bharat; 12-year-old twins Hafizah and Saleemah Harmon and their eight-year-old sister Shareefa, all met President Ali on Christmas Eve last year at State House.
Hafizah and Saleemah, during their interaction with the President, asked him to assist them with a scholarship to attend the ISA Islamic School, since their mother cannot afford the tuition fees. Following a brief dialogue, the President announced that their wish will be fulfilled.
The deadline for the letters this year is December 15, and persons are encouraged to utilise the specially marked boxes at Ministry’s locations all across the country, including at Lamaha and East Streets, Cornhill Street, and the Childcare and Protection Agency, at Broad Street, Charlestown.
