The Disabled People’s Network (DPN) of Region Five has launched the ‘Sweet Sleep Sheet Project’ to produce various sizes of bed sheet sets in an effort to be self-reliant.
The project is being funded by the British High Commission and DPN president, Mark Archibald said the aims are also to generate funds, develop skills and provide employment.
He told Stabroek News during the launching at the DPN location at the William Carmichael Centre at Seafield, West Coast Berbice that they are trying to acquire adequate markets and would be targeting hotels, hospitals and other businesses.
Samples of the sheets which would be produced in plain white, tie-dyed or figured fabrics would be provided to various entities.
Archibald is pleading with persons to support the venture which would also help to offset expenses including transportation and meals for its 45 members when they visit the centre twice weekly for craft sessions.
He was happy to say that they received an order for a king sized sheet set from their first customer; the manager of the Republic Bank at Rosignol who has always been supportive to the network.
Project manager, Delmar Enniss told this newspaper that five seamstresses have volunteered to produce the sheets and that based on the “production they would be given a stipend.”
He said Regional Chairman, Bindrabhan Bisnauth had said that the region may make purchases for the Fort Wellington Hospital. A senior official of the Ministry of Health in Georgetown has also promised to support the project.
Special Needs School
Meanwhile, Archibald said they are currently raising funds to establish a Special Needs School on a plot of land available next to the centre.
A walk-a-thon would be held on July 15 and he is appealing for sponsorship for the event and said interested persons can contact him on: 678-8777 and Enniss: on 327-0345.
They are grateful that several businesses including A. Ally & Sons General Store, Pooni’s Pharmacy and Reno Disco have provided donations for the project and called on other businesses to “come on board.”
He said they are carrying out a survey to find out about other disabled persons who are not part of the network.
Enniss, a former head-teacher and graduate from the University of Guyana who would serve as principal of the school said it would also cater for adults. He has found that “literacy and numeracy is poor within the membership.”
