THE PEOPLE’S Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) Administration has always been strong in ensuring equal rights for children in Guyana, regardless of their disposition in life.
President Bharrat Jagdeo made this statement while addressing the Central Islamic Organisation Children’s Fun Day yesterday at its Woolford Avenue, Georgetown headquarters.
The Head of State said that over the years, the government has been making continuous investments, which automatically pave the way for a successful future for the up-coming generation in the country.
“Children should be given all opportunity to do well… so, lots of huge investments have been made in education and health so that children can have better access to opportunities among others,” he pointed out.
He emphasised that in recent times, a raft of legislation has been passed for the protection of children across the country, since this is a critical area of importance.
“These children should not only have a special place in our hearts, but they should have a special place in society also,” the President urged.
Additionally, he pointed out that the PPP/C presidential candidate, Mr. Donald Ramotar, is expected to launch a special policy document for children in the country, to ensure they are exposed to all the opportunities possible in the world, “and to ensure the less fortunate are not disadvantaged because of their situation,” he explained.
This move is as a result of that special place that the PPP/C presidential candidate has in his heart for children; and, as such, these related issues will be at the forefront of everything.
Turning his attention to the CIOG’s performance over the years, he said that it was only with the enlightened vision of the organisation that the programmes being offered could have been successful.
He said he was pleased with the performances of the students attached to the Islamic organization, and he encouraged them to keep up the good work in the future.
“I have always wished to see the other religions  following the works of the organisation and assisting these children who are as smart as all the others, but just had an unfortunate circumstance leading to or from the loss of a parent or so,” Jagdeo said.
He said that persons should realise that this country has been offering equal opportunities for all children, regardless of their history.
President Jagdeo thanked the sponsors, and urged them to continue the good work, thus being rewarded equally.
Mr. Ramotar, in his address, said, “Our children are our future.” Therefore, he believes that no time should be wasted in implementing strategies that will ensure the successful futures of the children of the nation.
He said this is one of the main reasons why the Government has joined forces with the various organizations, including the CIOG, in supporting the efforts that are being made to mould the minds and future of the children.
“CIOG has been doing a fantastic job in caring for our children, and it is therefore right for us to play our parts in assisting these children,” Ramotar said.
He said that while it could be a great challenge for some of the younger children, they should strive to rededicate themselves and study harder, so that the top position can be easily achieved.
Sheik Moeenul Hack, Chief Executive Officer of the CIOG, said the organisation was very thankful to the Government of Guyana for providing them the opportunity of having access to all the various sectors in delivering efficiently and effectively to the children of the Islamic organisation.
He outlined that the children have been able to benefit from the schools uniform programme; waiving of the various examination fees, text-books and other educational materials, among many other assistance programmes sponsored by the various ministries.
“The Ministry of Health and the GPHC in particular, whenever we have health issues, the children are offered the best treatment and care that is needed; and even the One Laptop Per Family project and other projects that we have benefited from tremendously,” he said.
He said that help has also been given to the Islamic organisation from the private agencies, and for this he is pleased. “These ministries also have been playing a significant role to ensure the wellbeing of these children.”
He said since the organisation is unable to provide all the resources to fulfil the needs of the children, the various private organizations and ministers have been working as the driving forces behind the success of the CIOG.
The Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana, when started some 15 years ago, consisted of not more than 15 children. To date, the body has seen a huge expansion, and is currently housing approximately 500 children.
According to Hack, this goal could not have been accomplished without the help and resources of those organizations and institutions that have been providing sponsorship over the years.
Meanwhile, several students attached to the organisation received certificates for their outstanding achievements at the National Grade Six Examination and the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate programme.