Dear Editor,
I refer to my letter captioned ” Amerindians must seek at least a basic secondary education, preserve their mother tongues” (07.09.28).
In it I stated: ” Perhaps every village should launch a Village Education and Development Fund (VED). This fund, if generated, can be managed by the village administration – the village council. ”
This idea was born as a result of my tough and rough experiences as a student at St. Ignatius Secondary School (residing at the children hostel), the Burrowes School of Art and University of Guyana.
If the funds can be established in every village, not only would the village council manage it but they would be more responsible for the village children’s education than leaving it on the parents or the government. In my opinion it should really be 50/50. This kind of support can have a positive effect on the child’s attitude towards his/her education career and beyond.
I suggested to Board Members of St. Ignatius Secondary and children hostel (St. Ignatius), Lethem, that I do a run -a- ton to raise funds whereby students would have sought donations to sponsor my mini marathon which I would have done during my visit last March.
I also suggested that children residing at the hostel bring a chicken each to start a poultry farm and that an agriculture teacher (if there is any as it used to be in my days) be in charge. I also suggested a kitchen garden. This idea is not new. I did so because under our late adopted mother – Mrs Nieuenkirk (who was in charge of the children hostel)- we attended and benefited from both.
I feel such ideas (above) are suitable for North Rupununi District Development Board (RDDB) being the umbrella of several villages to be adopted and made into a reality.
I further suggest that member villages or parents come together and work on a farm for cassava, yam, potato, banana and plantain as back up food.
In conclusion I am submitting my email address (below) in case the NRDDB or any village council wants to consult with me regarding the implementation of the above ideas and/or other fund raising ideas.
Yours faithfully,
Guy Marco
Macushi9@cfl.rr.com
