Over the past year, United Women for Special Children (UWSC) has donated in excess of $1.7 million to special needs schools and organizations, including offering a scholarship worth $90,000 to a differently-abled child.
According to a press release, outgoing UWSC President Ann Geer said at the annual general meeting that the organisation had also donated $200,000 to the Haitian Foundation for Health and Education, specifically to improve the quality of life of the differently abled in the earthquake-ravaged country.
UWSC procured funding both locally and internationally, but its fund-raising activities also contributed much to its coffers. Consequently, it has been able to provide $1.4 million to special needs schools in Georgetown, Berbice, and on the East Bank Demerara.
In addition, the NGO partnered with the Rotary Club of Demerara in completing two other projects – refurbishing the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre Playground and constructing a washroom for a differently-abled child.
According to the press release, the efforts of the organisation are primarily aimed at addressing the needs of the disabled, and as it attempts to realise those goals, discussions are being held with the Guyana Council of Organizations for Persons with Disabilities.
Plans are also in train to meet representatives of the ministries of Human Services, Health and Education to identify priority areas, in order to assist differently- abled children in difficult circumstances.
