MONIQUE’S Caring Hands Support Centre (MCHSC), a subsidiary of Caribbean Peoples International Collective (CPIC), hosted its maiden Cotillion Programme at Pegasus Hotel, in Kingston, Georgetown, last weekend. 
On that occasion, the initial batch of 10 Cotillion Juniors were presented at an event which took the form of a gala fund-raising dinner and Cotillion Ball, organised by the Director, Dr. Dawne Fraser Stewart.
During the ball, there was a junior pageant, at which 12 Cotillion Juniors, damsels aged between eight to 12 years, vied for the Cotillion Crown.
The winner was Kezia Jeffers; first runner-up Thandi Matthias and second runner-up Alena Morgan, who will be tasked with raising funds for MCHSC, an HIV/AIDS support organisation.
Another feature that evening was the awarding of plaques to persons who have made a contribution to children of Guyana and supported Monique’s in its ventures.
“Our programme comes at no cost, which is a real benefit to parents, because everyone is experiencing an increase in the cost of living,” said Fraser Stewart.
However, she said, in order to participate in Cotillion, every participant is expected to meet the minimum souvenir advertisement requirement, which is $40,000, denoting a commitment to be recognised in the souvenir journal.
“The real incentive is to do your best and feel good about yourselves,” Fraser Stewart told the guests and contestants.
She said the Cotillion who raises the most ads and patrons will be crowned ‘Little Miss Monique’s for the year and 50 per cent of the funds raised would be utilised by MCHSC to aid its annual charity programmes for children only.
Ten per cent will purchase gifts for the winners of the Cotillion and 40 per cent for the various skills training, outings and more events.
Founded in 2003, MCHSC is a non-governmental volunteer organisation with a primary mission to promote the quality of life for all Guyanese with emphasis on health, education and family welfare.
The Cotillion Programme which, basically, is after school lessons in dancing, etiquette and table manners instructions, also provides hands-on guidance on goal setting, Fraser Stewart said.
She said it offers convenience to parents and young girls, while allowing them time to do different other activities for fund-raising causes.
Little Miss Monique’s, as it is called in Georgetown, currently has 12 participants in the programme being taught skills for everyday life and beyond. For example, they would learn how to shake hands in the right way, make correct introductions, write thank you letters, be hosts or guests, dress for an occasion, set a dining table and accomplish fine dining.
