– new nursery school and village office commissioned
Government has been allocating financial resources to various Amerindian communities through its presidential grant to reduce poverty and heighten development.
Parikwarunawa and Kumu, villages in Region Nine, are two other Amerindian communities that are benefitting from presidential grants. Parikwarunawa residents were able to construct a community village council office, while those of Kumu jointly built a nursery school.
These two buildings were commissioned by Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai, during a four-day visit recently to several Amerindian villages in Region Nine.
The village office, located opposite the Parikwarunawa primary school, took approximately one month to complete and aims to cater for recreational activities and storage facility for the community’s assets. It will also benefit residents of neighbouring communities.
Minister Sukhai explained that government is committed to working with residents and Toshaos to further develop their communities and improve their lives.
Government has also been paying special attention to hinterland communities because of their difficult terrain, and has been establishing schools nearer to communities to preclude children having to travel very long distances.
The new nursery school, fully equipped with tables and chairs, sinks and storage rooms, will benefit first and second year nursery school students of the Kumu village and surrounding areas.
Minister Sukhai emphasised that children must attend school and that the Ministry has made it easier on parents since it has been providing school uniforms for hinterland students.
She also urged youths to participate in leadership activities from a young age so that they could have adequate exposure and knowledge for future community development.
Permanent Secretary Colin Croal noted that education is vital for self-development and sustenance and encouraged persons to make full use of the facilities and opportunities available. He urged parents to send their children to school.
Toshao of Parikwarunawa, McKenzie John Daniels, expressed gratitude to government for assisting the communities.
He noted that through the presidential grants, there have been improvements in the lives of Amerindians. (GINA)