Four final year students of the University of Guyana recently treated residents of Block ‘D’ North Sophia to a “Community on the Move Empowerment Project” as part of their course work for the degree in social work.
The students, Trevor McIntosh, Jennifer Christopher, Patrina Fraser and Shondell Wills who undertook the community enhancement exercise, enlightened the residents about HIV/AIDS and other social ills that are plaguing the society.
They also provided free counselling and testing to the residents who welcomed the opportunity of knowing their HIV status. The students also delivered talks on domestic violence such as physical, child and spousal abuse and distributed literature on relevant topics.
Further the students held literacy and numeracy classes for children eight to eleven years-old and also guided them on field trips to the CNS channel 6 studio, the Museum and the Botanical Gardens.
Residents expressed gratitude for the efforts of the students and noted that such activities are much needed in the community to move it forward.
Meanwhile, the students who were pleased with the response of the community acknowledged the contribution of their lecturer, Derek Fields, who was instrumental in the proposition, implementation and successful completion of the project.
They said that the task was challenging but rewarding as it is their goal to help persons to enhance their way of life. The students plan to conduct follow-up activities in the community.
