As part of its efforts to impact the lives of children here in Guyana, Food for the Poor (Guy) Inc (FFTP) has announced the inauguration on April 30, of a literacy programme in Byderabo,Bartica, in collaboration with its In Country Partner (ICP) Project New Nation.
This initiative, it explained, is targeting children from Nursery to Grade 6 and is tailored to address the educational needs of children facing learning challenges or disabilities by offering focused instruction in phonics, literacy, and mathematics.
Gifts-In-Kind Manager, Tabitha Barnwell, who represented FTTP, spoke of the organisation’s dedication to tackling educational disparities among vulnerable children. She said that the birth of the Learning Literacy Programme stemmed from a partnership proposal submitted by Project New Nation in October 2023. This proposal outlined specific criteria for student inclusion, targeting children experiencing difficulties in reading, achieving below 40 per cent in academic performance, and exhibiting signs of learning challenges. “The meticulous planning and commitment demonstrated in the proposal underscored a genuine concern for the educational welfare of children in the community, exemplifying a deep-rooted care for the youth of Byderabo and surrounding areas,” the release stated.
Barnwell also spoke of the programme aligning with one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. “As Guyana undergoes transformative changes, prioritizing the educational preparedness of youth becomes paramount. Targeting children with identified learning challenges aligns with the overarching goal of achieving United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4, which emphasises inclusive and equitable quality education for all.”
She encouraged the programme participants to believe in their ability to achieve their goals through hard work and dedication, echoing the ethos of Food For The Poor (Guy) Inc: “Renewing Hope, Saving Lives, Transforming Communities.”
Meanwhile, Head Tutor of Project New Nation, Jonnel Newton, highlighted the crucial role of the literacy programme in addressing the unique needs of children with learning challenges. “The literacy programme began because of the need that we saw in the community. With the help of Food for The Poor and other sponsors, we’ve been able to launch yet another session of it. We very grateful for all those persons that are giving these children the opportunity to show that they have the ability to do just as well as any other child. I am very grateful, for the parents as they have entrusted their children to us and I ask that they continue to support them so that we can let these children show their true potential.”
The launch of the Literacy Programme signifies a collaborative endeavour between Food for the Poor (Guy) Inc. and Project New Nation to foster inclusive education and ensure access to quality learning opportunities for every child. Through this joint initiative, both organisations have expressed their commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of children in Byderabo and beyond, the release added.
