Actress Collette Jones-Chin will kick off a programme called, ‘Young @ Art’ starting Monday targeting children with an interest in the arts.
Collette told The Scene this week that corporate Guyana responded tremendously when she made several approaches seeking sponsorship for children from various homes across the country to attend the programme.
Digicel Guyana jumped on board as the platinum sponsor while GBTI, Republic Bank, Citizens Bank, John Fernandes Ltd, Hermandston Lodge, Ashmins and the Guyana Olympic Association all responded favourably and as a result, the majority of children on the programme are being sponsored.
Jones will work with children from the St John Bosco Home for Boys, St Ann’s Orphanage, the Red Cross Convalescence Home, the Drop-in Centre and the East Ruimveldt Home for Children, in addition to other children whose parents are paying for their participation.
“This is now going to be my main focus. I have always wanted to work with kids who are less fortunate, providing them with quality education in the arts and through the arts,” she said, noting that the aim of the programme is to educate while at the same time building their self esteem and confidence.
Initially she wanted to focus on Art and Drama, but she has included Dance, Music and Sports in the programme. She will conduct the classes in art and drama, while her husband, Cecil Chin will work with the children in sports. In addition, Tiffany Sukanandan will carry the dance classes and Ronald Williams has joined the team for voice training lessons.
The programme runs until July 29. She added that a tea party and art exhibition will wrap up the programme.
The classes will run from 9 am to 1 pm at Foundation 7 in the compound of the Church of the Nazarene, Laluni Street, Queenstown. Persons interested in the programme can contact Jones on 690-1955 or email art_gal@yahoo.ca.
