Digicel handed over the new building for the Mahaica Children’s Home to the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security yesterday, during a simple ceremony at the Unity, Mahaica location.
Jacqueline James, Head of Marketing at Digicel, was tightlipped about disclosing the amount spent on the project, but did divulge that it was a “multi-million dollar” project.
The home houses children who come from abusive abodes or are displaced for whatever reason.
James told those gathered at the simple ceremony that what started out as refurbishing plans, turned out to be the building of a new structure. She noted that upon the endorsement of Digicel’s chairman, the company worked with Marcel Gaskin and Associates, who came up with the design and layouts, Patterson and Associates, who did quantity surveying, and R&D Engineering.
Facilities in the home include two dorms, bathrooms, a sick bay, a study room, a recreation room, kitchen, laundry room, water filtration and tanks.
House mother Bonita Myles told Stabroek News that the home has the capacity to house 80 children. It currently houses 61 girls and a two-year-old boy.
Construction of the structure started in July 2012, shortly after the sod was turned on July 25th of the same year. “…Comfort and safety was our main concern…,” James said, as she expressed how pleased Digicel was to have been involved in the building of the new home.
Minister of Human Services Jennifer Webster, in a brief speech at the ceremony, spoke with admiration about the uniqueness of the architecture. She described the house as “…warm and homely for the children…” and voiced plans to institute a management board. She also thanked Digicel, who she referred to as “good and corporate citizens,” and all those who played a role in the completion of the project.
Also speaking at the ceremony was Digicel’s Chief Executive Officer Gregory Dean, who echoed the appreciation of the collaboration between Digicel and the Ministry of Human Services Ministry.
Negla Brandis, administrator of the home, told Stabroek News that some of the children at the home came from all parts of Guyana and have suffered abuse, or have been taken from their homes for whatever reason. She also said for that reason the children are escorted to school when this newspaper enquired about their safety. It also has the services of a
non-resident counselor, Patsy Clarke.
Parents are allowed to visit on Sundays, Myles noted.
Brandis explained that the children staying at the home are also required to master social skills, such as table manners, washing their own clothes and preparing for school—the older ones are required to help with the preparation for school.
