A group of past and current work study students attached to the National AIDS Programme Secretariat (NAPS) on Saturday embarked on a community service project that entailed enhancing the male wards at the Palms Geriatric Home.
NAPS Programme Manager Dr Shanti Singh-Anthony applauded the volunteer ethic of the 25 youths, who repainted 29 cupboards and five tables in shades of indigo and sky blue at two of the male wards at the facility.
She noted that work study students attached to the Secretariat are offered a number of opportunities to gain experience, both in the office and on special projects such as the one executed at the Psalms. “The Secretariat… endeavours to encourage young people to have a positive self image, so that they are able to help others and be a mentor in their community,” Dr Singh-Anthony said, according to a press release from NAPS.
The programme manager noted that young people involved in community service are more likely to have a strong work ethic as adults.
In addition, community service allows them to expand their social circle and enhance their social awareness, while equipping them with important skills and experience for the future.
Since July 9, the current batch of 12 work study students has been involved in an ongoing programme which supports the National Minimum Operational Standards and Regulations for Children’s Homes. The programme involves a day of quality recreational activities, which includes visits to the National Museum, the Guyana Zoological Park and the Botanical Gardens. A total of 892 children from 22 orphanages in regions Three, Four and Six will benefit from this programme.
On July 11, the students hosted storytelling exercises at the Paediatric Ward of the Georgetown Hospital. They also engaged the children in drawing, colouring and games. CCS, Keishar’s, Giftland and Executive Office Supplies provided all the items needed for these activities.
Social Services Coordinator at NAPS Nafeza Ally said she has been privileged over the past four years to spearhead these activities, which involve integrally the service of work study students. Ally said one of the objectives of the project is to show work study students the importance of contributing to the development of a culture that cares for the less fortunate.
The students said they were grateful for the opportunity to serve “which brought joy to [the] lives of the elderly.” One student noted that, “while the activity was fun and rewarding, it was also challenging since it required leadership skills and our ability to work as a team.”
