“You are loved; you are valued” – President Ali tells children at State House Christmas celebration

President Dr Irfaan Ali and First Lady Arya Ali on Tuesday hosted a Christmas celebration for children from several homes across Guyana, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to their care, development and future.
Held at State House, the annual event brought together children from across the country for a day filled with laughter and festive cheer. The children were treated to goodies, toys, music, singing and dancing, and delighted in meeting Santa Claus and Mrs Claus, who added to the magic of the occasion.
In remarks, President Ali said that hosting the children each year brings immense personal joy to himself and the first lady.
“It gives us the greatest joy to be able to have all of the children with us,” the President said, as he welcomed the young guests alongside members of Cabinet and staff of State House.
He extended Christmas greetings on behalf of his family and the Government, telling the children, “On behalf of myself, the First Lady Arya, Ilan, Zayd, the Cabinet, and all the members of staff here at State House, we want to say to all of you, Merry Christmas. It is our honour to host you every single year.”
President Ali also used the occasion to recognise and thank the carers who work tirelessly in children’s homes across the country, describing their role as one of daily sacrifice and devotion.

“It also gives us great joy to say thank you to those who work with our children in different homes, the carers who sacrifice every single day, who put in the hours to ensure that these children are taken care of,” he said, prompting applause from those gathered.
Addressing the children directly, he added, “Everybody say, ‘Thank you… and we love you.”

Commitment to education
The President underscored that the Christmas celebration is part of a broader, year-round engagement with children through the Office of the First Lady and various Ministries. He assured that these efforts will continue and expand in the years ahead.
“Throughout the year, we have had many, many interactions with children here at State House, through the Office of the First Lady, through different ministers. We have been reaching out to homes all across the country, and we’re going to continue to do that,” President Ali said.
He announced plans to ensure that all children’s homes are connected to the Guyana Digital School, noting that the Minister of Education will be visiting homes to facilitate this process.
“We want to be able to help to improve your surroundings, to ensure that all the homes are connected to the digital school… because we want you to have the best life ahead of you,” he said.
“You are loved; you are valued”
In a message of reassurance, President Ali told the children that they are cherished not only by their carers but by the nation as a whole.
“Our prayers are that you will have a life ahead of you that is fulfilling, a life in which you can accomplish things, and a life in which you know that you’re valuable, that you’re loved,” he said. “We as a country, we love you, we value you. You are our children. You are the children of Guyana.”
As the celebration came to a close, President Ali reaffirmed the spirit of the season, telling the children, “We are very pleased at State House to have all of you. God bless you. We love all of you dearly.”
The annual Christmas event once again highlighted the Government’s emphasis on compassion, inclusion and ensuring that every child in Guyana feels seen, supported and valued.