The Humanitarian Assistance Program (HAP), Food for the Poor (FFTP) and the Region Seven Democratic Council donated a number of sneakers and book bags to the region’s primary schools.

According to a press release the groups donated over 140 sneakers and 80 book bags to the Karrau Creek Primary, Batavia Primary, Kartabo Primary and Agatash Primary schools in the riverain lower Mazaruni District. In addition about 60 newborn baby shoes were distributed in each village’s health centre through the village toshaos.

The items were handed over by the HAP team: Claritza Juarez, Joe Vanty and Jerry Schofield after they had assessed the needs of the schools earlier in the month.

The team visited the said locations with Regional Chairman Holbert Knights, his secretary Sonia Persaud, Clameth Younge, Regional Information Officer Cianna Persaud and FFTP Assistant Director Jimeel Davis.

Knights said he is grateful to HAP and the Embassy for their support. He also extended gratitude to the toshaos and the assistance from the FFTP.

The release said the collaboration is the continuation of an ongoing relationship between the Region and HAP where they provide services for underprivileged persons in the region. The Region has been involved with the RDC through the Voluntary Services Overseas volunteer, Tessie Bugarin who has been attached to its agriculture department.

This year HAP extended two fish ponds for tilapia rearing at the National Agriculture Research Institute’s Demonstration Centre. HAP is funded through the US Southern Command.