The High Commission of Canada on Thursday presented a collection of children’s reference books to the Buxton Youth Developers Project, on behalf of a member of the Canada Newfoundland Offshore Petroleum Board.
High Commissioner David Devine presented the collection to the group on behalf of Canadian Oil and Gas Expert Fred Way, who visited Guyana in November 2011, as a member of the Board and was apprised of the work they have been undertaking with disadvantaged youths.
In a press release, the Canadian Mission said the Buxton Youth Developers was formed in March 2007 to reverse the image of the community, which is often viewed as crime-riddled and to provide an alternative to delinquent activities and other anti-social behaviours.
“The initiative which started out providing extra lessons to 25 students now caters for approximately 300 from Buxton and neighbouring villages and includes [a] sports component,” the release said. Parents and community involvement have grown significantly and so has children’s attendance and performance at their respective schools, it added.
In his remarks, the High Commissioner noted that this recent gift is only a facet of the deep relationship that Canada has with the group. Canada has donated over Cdn$39,000 in funds through its Canada Fund for local initiatives. He urged the students to utilize the books to widen their knowledge about Guyana and the world.
Clairmont Brummell, a teacher from the group, expressed gratitude for the donation and the continuous support that the Government of Canada has given to the group.
The gift included dictionaries, children’s storybooks, non-fiction books on Guyana’s history and books on health and well-being and sport.
