US-based Guyanese student spearheads more outreach programmes in Grove
March 16, 2013, By KNews, Filed Under News, Source
Instead of partaking in the typical American Spring break of intense partying sessions, some students of the Florida International University chose to have an “Alternative Spring Break”.
Two of the ten participants repainting the swings at Campbell’s Trust Nursery.
Their aim for this period is to make a difference in the lives of the little ones at Campbell’s Trust Nursery School in Grove, East Bank Demerara, by giving their school a facelift and upgrading their playground.
“We are painting the building; we filled the yard with sand. We plan on cultivating a nice kitchen garden; we’re going to build a tyre swing; so yeah, there’s a lot to be done,” Onica Charles, Guyanese Founder/ CEO of the International Children’s Outreach (ICO) said.
Charles said that the activity has seen support from villagers, some of whom provided the necessary equipment (Shovels, spades, wheelbarrows), while some of the young men assisted with the “hard labour”.
The 29-year-old former St. Joseph High School student added that she believes that one should not forget where he or she comes from. She explained that while her charity caters for children all around the world, she ensures that every year, Guyana also benefits.
In addition to the facelift, the nine participants of the programme will also be handing out parcels containing household necessities to families in the community.
“We have some items on hand, so when we finish the school, we will be walking around the community to hand out these parcels,” Charles said.
The young woman added that following this, she and the nine other participants who are also her fellow classmates will be hosting a fun day.
“After we finish, we plan on having a fun day where the students can have ice cream and other goodies while they play on their newly refurbished playground.”
The group of nine poses for a photo. Absent is Onica Charles.
Charles who attended both the Campbell’s Trust Nursery and Grove Primary Schools also spearheaded a community development project, last year. Among some of the work done then, was the renovation of the Grove Primary School’s library.
She noted that when the group leaves Guyana this weekend, the members will be going to Jamaica and South Africa for other outreach programmes.
Meanwhile, Kaieteur News understands that ICO also has plans to establish a community centre in Grove.
“We are in the process of having a community centre at the Nazarene Church which is in the last street in Grove. We are redoing the entire bottom of the church and converting it into a community centre solely for school kids. Our plan is also to put in computers to assist in their learning and even setting up free Wi-Fi internet for the systems,” Charles had said.
