The Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sport last week presented a new steel pan set to the School of the Nations, in support of the Institution’s Shemroy Anthony Project at the school’s compound in Tiger Bay in the city.
During the handing over ceremony, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony lauded the school and its director, Dr. Brian O’Toole, for his continued work in the education sector as well as in the Tiger Bay community, which brings benefits to the children there.
The minister pledged his ministry’s support to the institution for the creation of even more opportunities for Guyanese youths, especially through the promotion of music.
As to the benefits of a music programme, he said, “We see it as a tool that can go into different communities and help develop self esteem, help children develop their personalities and give them confidence that they can represent themselves and their communities.
He explained that initiatives like the Shemroy Anthony Project provide an opportunity for underprivileged children, who posses the potential, to break away from the stereotype and “work wonders.”
“This can only happen if they are given the opportunity,” he stressed.
He pointed out that the project designed by School of the Nations will create a platform for these talented children, and expressed the confidence that the gift will also give them the opportunity to participate in competitions which will further enhance their skills.
In accepting the donation, Dr. O’Toole explained that the project was initiated to empower youths in the community through the provision of different programmes including, literacy, drama and music.
As to the motivation behind the creation of the Shemroy Anthony Project, Dr. O’Toole explained that it was conceptualized following the recent death of 11- year- old Shemroy Anthony, who was killed during a fight with a young man his age.
Out of that tragic incident, the project was to provide training and skills building to promote meaningful income generation to take people out of poverty.
The School of the Nations programme facilitates the training of 120 children, youths, and adults from in the Tiger Bay community and is funded in part by generous donations from several private sector companies, including Ming’s Products and Services and Luca Designs.
In closing, Dr.O’Toole expressed his gratitude to the  Ministry for its gift.