The Amerindian Peoples Association (APA) is pressing forward in its efforts to assist those families affected by the May 21, Mahdia Secondary School female dormitory fire that resulted in the deaths of 19 girls and one boy.
In a release yesterday, the APA stated that between July 14 and 19, its representatives visited the Region Eight communities of Micobie, El Paso, Campbelltown, and Chenapou, to distribute donated items collected during the recent donation drive to support those affected by the Mahdia female dormitory fire.
The girls who survived were given stationery supplies, feminine hygiene products, toiletries, clothing and other school supplies.
The APA informed that its donation team headed by Executive Director, Jean La Rose, included Governance and Rights Coordinator, Laura George; GIS Specialist/Forest Policy Officer, Michael McGarrell; Policy and Administrative Support Officer, Don Stoll; Communications and Visibility Officer, Lakhram Bhagirat; and Mental Health Therapist, Arianne Chand.
According to the release, the APA commenced its donation drive on May 23 to raise material donations as well as pledges to address some of the needs of the survivors and the families of those who lost their lives as well as the communities as a whole. Donations were solicited from businesses, private citizens, religious institutions, and partners. Stationery supplies were also handed over to the Mahdia Secondary School and the survivors of Karisparu Village.
The association pointed out that last week’s distribution exercise represents the first large-scale donation to the families. Before this, it had also provided care packages as well as minimal financial assistance immediately after the fire to some families while they were in Georgetown.
Chand, a US-trained mental health therapist, who provided voluntary support, met with survivors of the tragedy as well as parents in an effort to assess the level of mental health support needed in the long term. La Rose and George met with members of the communities of Micobie and Campbelltown that requested a meeting to relay concerns with the handling of the tragedy, while Stoll and Bhagirat met with Chenapou parents and residents where similar concerns were raised.
APA said it attempted to contact the Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, and Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony, requesting an urgent meeting to discuss the issues raised with the team. The ministers have yet to reply to its request.
“The APA is committed to working collaboratively with the authorities to address the concerns of the families and communities that have suffered as a result of this tragedy,” the release added.
