The Aditya Kids Trust Fund Foundation (AKTFF) made life easy for an elderly Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice resident when they presented him with a wheelchair during a Father’s Day celebration.
Sampooran, 74, who had suffered a stroke, was among six elderly fathers who were honoured last week Sunday.
He badly needed a chair and got a surprise when it was presented to him at the celebration and thanked the foundation amid tears of joys. He said the chair would help him greatly to move around on his own and be independent.
The AKTFF had provided transportation for its ‘guests’ but Sampooran chose to have his grandson ‘wheel’ him home as he had not seen much of the village in a long time.
Together with Ramcharran Sadan, 56, Reginald Charles, 59, Lyndon Mc Almont, 49, Suchit Persaud, 71, and 83-year-old Patrick Fredericks, he was treated to a scrumptious meal and given special tokens.
They were also entertained by the talented students who attend the free literacy classes at the AKTFF. They thanked the AKTFF for the kind gesture and for making their day special.
Administrator of the organization, Sarswattie Khemraj said they take pleasure in bringing smiles to the faces of persons in the community, especially children and the elderly.
She said five mothers who are widows, were also given similar treat for Mother’s Day. Besides, the AKTFF presents monthly food hampers randomly to elderly persons.
Meanwhile, the students, who are mainly slow learners, are given extra lessons for Math, English and spelling free of cost while free computers lessons are also provided for the adults.
The classes are conducted by Anisa Manick and Timelle Vyphuis with the assistance of another staff, Raywattie Sanchara.
The foundation, headed by the president, Archie Mohan who resides in Canada has helped many persons to offset expenses for medical treatment both locally and overseas.
It has also assisted in various community efforts and has sponsored several educational activities including quizzes and spelling bee competitions, talent shows and cricket and has provided donations to schools.
It has also been hosting an annual Santa Claus parade in West Berbice and now in Wakenaam, distributing goodies as well as toys, clothing, footwear and other items to needy persons.
It also hosts a kite-making competition annually where children are provided with materials and awarded special prizes for their talents in designing them.
The AKTFF also has a library that benefits the community and the staff members were grateful that a resident recently donated more books to add to the collection.
The non-governmental organization was established in December 2007 following the death of seven-year-old Aditya Ramdhan of Bath Settlement.
Mohan and other businessmen in Canada had provided sponsorship for the child to undergo heart surgery in India. Unfortunately, he died following the procedure.
The foundation was thereafter conceptualized by Canadian-born Lorraine Kissoon and formed by businessmen.
