Thirty children from the Thomas Street-based Joshua House and the Sophia Care Centre were last Sunday treated to a day of fun by the Sonia Noel Foundation for the Creative Arts, where they also had the opportunity to showcase their talents.
The brains behind the foundation, popular local designer Sonia Noel has been supporting both institutions which cater for orphans and under-privileged children, over the years. As the Easter school break was coming to an end she decided to bring them together, something she had never done before.
“It was so much fun. The children left happy…and I too was happy”, she told The Scene.
The fun day was held at Noel’s Queenstown home. Local designer Natasha David, actor Clemencio Godette and Sherman Noel also pitched in and assisted with face painting.
Additionally, David performed a skit for the children who ranged in ages from six to seventeen. There were also games.
Noel informed that there was a mini talent show during which the children were able to showcase their talents in the form of poetry, song and dance.
She singled out Otiah, a resident of the Sophia Care Centre who performed beautifully, “The Greatest Love of All” one of the best singles of award-winning late singer Whitney Houston; a very shy Anessa from the Joshua House who plays the guitar and who sang “I am a Conqueror” and Rabenna who recited “Crown of Glory” by Reverend Sung Yung Moon.
“I was not surprised by the talent exhibited because we have talent in abundance in Guyana and I felt blessed that the foundation was able to host these precious kids. We spoke about love and what it means to us,” Noel said.
She had days before launched the ‘Love Revolution’ at the Pegasus Hotel and used the opportunity to speak about the importance of love and making it contagious.
She said that the fun day was not only about giving the children stories to tell, but also to allow them to partake in experiences that would enrich their lives. “These children have been exposed to some things children should not be exposed to, so we are trying to give them those great, happy experiences to counteract the negative things they have been through,” she said adding that the children were able to mingle with each other.
Church’s Chicken and Pizza Hut were also onboard and provided chicken and pizza for the children to enjoy.
Also joining in the fun were Noel’s god daughter along with ‘Aunty Dandy’ who has had an influential impact on the designer’s life.
Noel thanked all those who played a part in making the event a success and made a commitment to hold more in the future.
