Food for the Poor (Guy) Inc. and its In Country Partner (ICP) Project New Nation, situated in Byderabo, Bartica, celebrated a significant milestone on April 30, 2024, with the inauguration of their Literacy Program.
This initiative 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.
Ms. Tabitha Barnwell, the Gifts-In-Kind Manager representing Food For The Poor (Guy) Inc., underscored the organization’s dedication to tackling educational disparities among vulnerable children. She noted that the inception 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% 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.
“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 emphasizes inclusive and equitable quality education for all,” she shared.
Ms. Barnwell encouraged the program 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.”
Additionally, Jonnel Newton, Head Tutor of Project New Nation, highlighted the crucial role of the Literacy Program in addressing the unique needs of children with learning challenges. “The literacy program began because of the need that we saw in the community. With the help of Food for The Poor (Guy) Inc., 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,” she posited.
The launch of the Literacy Program signifies a collaborative endeavor 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 organizations are committed to making a positive impact on the lives of children in Byderabo and beyond.
Food for the Poor (Guyana) Incorporated (FFP) stands as the largest charitable non-governmental organization (NGO) in Guyana, operating exclusively within the ten Administrative Regions of the country. Over the past 32 years, FFP Guyana has experienced remarkable growth, emerging as a pivotal force in charitable endeavors nationwide. Guided by the core principles of “Transforming Communities, Renewing Hope, and Saving Lives,” the organization continues to serve as a beacon of philanthropy and social responsibility.
