The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security (MoHSSS) recently launched its inaugural “Wish Upon A Star” initiative for special needs children and 50 were granted their wishes.
A MoHSSS release yesterday explained that under the “Wish Upon A Star” initiative, the wishes of 50 children with special needs were granted for Christmas. Among the 50 were five year-old Ayush Bharat; 12 year-old twins Hafizah and Saleemah Harmon, and their eight year-old sister Shareefa. They met President Irfaan Ali yesterday afternoon at State House.
Prior to the State House visit, several of the beneficiaries visited the Ministry’s head office to uplift their gifts from Minister Vindhya Persaud who was moved by the children’s reactions.
“Today there were moments of smiles and tears as I watched these children receive their gifts. There isn’t a price tag for a child’s smile,” she said.
The countrywide “Wish Upon A Star” campaign was launched on December 14 by Persaud, and targeted children with special needs between the ages of 4 and 15 who suffer from a terminal illness, disability, psychological trauma; loss of parents, or simply never having had the opportunity to enjoy that one gift that would make them incredibly happy.
The ministry received over 350 handwritten letters and staffers had the unenviable task of reviewing the heartfelt requests to determine who was eligible to receive gifts. Distribution of the gifts began on Wednesday with the Permanent Secretary, Shannielle Hoosein-Outar, visiting Regions 3, 5 and 6 to personally hand them over to eligible children.
Four year-old Yanis Scott, who is paralysed, received a medical chair, while 13 year-old Shivendra Basdeo from Region Five, who is diagnosed with Downs Syndrome, received an electronic tablet. Parents of both children expressed their appreciation.
“I honestly did not think we would have received a response so fast,” Kamla, Shivendra’s mother said. “He is playing with the tablet since we got it. He is so excited that he does not even want to eat. Thank you guys.”
Yanis’ mother, Lisa stated, “It was great thing that make children’s wishes come true. I am happy and contented. It [the chair] has really eased that burden from us.”
Following the favourable feedback, Minister Persaud declared the initiative as mission accomplished. “I want to thank the Ministry’s staff who worked tirelessly behind the scenes, including the PS and her team. All the hard work over the past few days really paid off.”
She also thanked the following companies for coming on board for the campaign and donating gifts: Synetech Inc; Courts Guyana Inc.; Massy Motors (Guyana) Ltd; Massy Gas (Guyana) Ltd.; Massy Distribution (Guyana) Ltd; Giftland Group of Companies; Game Xpress; Unique Innovations; Guyana National Bureau of Standards; NAMILCO; Caribbean Containers Inc; Pritipaul Singh Investment; Digicel; Medicare; and Rotary Club of Demerara.
“With your generous donation, children with special needs from the ten administrative regions can enjoy a bright Christmas with gifts that they would have wanted. Your unhesitating support in making the “Wish Upon A Star” a success is highly appreciated and I look forward to partnering with you in the future as the Ministry continues to improve the lives of the vulnerable,” the minister was quoted as saying.
Meanwhile, gifts for children in regions 1, 2, 7, 8, 9 and 10 are on their way to be delivered.
Persaud also delivered gifts to the Georgetown Public Hospital Children’s Ward, the release added.
