The United Nations Education Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) on Monday donated new chrome-plated steel pan instruments to the boys of the St. John Bosco Orphanage in Plaisance on the East Coast of Demerara.
A release from the Ministry of Education said that the donation was made possible through representation by the Tina Insanally Foundation.
Delivering brief remarks at the handing-over ceremony, United Nations Education Scientific and Cultural Organisa-tion (UNESCO) Country Representative, Patrice LaFleur said that the organisation sees culture as a driver of sustainable development. She said that each year countries are required to submit proposals of projects that require funding to the international body, and the Tina Insanally Foundation was one that received funding in 2017 along with the National Accreditation Council, the Civil Defence Commission and the Health and Family Life Education department within the Ministry of Education.
LaFleur said that UNESCO is pleased that the foundation is addressing the needs of a particular target group and that it is proud of the foundation’s dedication to the initiative.
It was stated by the founder of the organization, Victor Insanally, that this year marks eight years since the Tina Insanally Foundation has been working with the St. John Bosco Orphanage.
He said that efforts are being made to have former members of the steel orchestra come together and play as a professional group. While UNESCO donated the funds to purchase the instruments, the sourcing of the pans was facilitated by Guyanese pannist, Aubrey Bryan in London.
During the ceremony yesterday, members of the St. John Bosco Steel Orchestra entertained the gathering with a number of musical renditions that included folk songs as well as national songs.
