–given $20,000 grant on completing studies
CHILDREN of the New Opportunity Corps (NOC) at Onderneeming, on the Essequibo Coast, were treated to a special annual Minister’s Christmas Luncheon on Wednesday, and also received gifts from the Radio’s Needy Children Fund. Speaking to the students at the annual Minister’s Luncheon, Youth, Sports and Culture Minister, Dr Frank Anthony said the activity has become traditional, and he sees it as a great opportunity to interact with students of the institution at this special time of the year.
The minister said the NOC is now transformed in terms of infrastructure, and his ministry is working towards improving the quality of programmes at the institution.
According to the minister, many children who end up at the NOC come from broken homes and do not get a chance to attend primary or secondary school.
Minister Anthony disclosed that his ministry plans to integrate every student of the NOC into the education system, hence 16 students are already attending primary and secondary schools in the community.
He said the students are doing well and most of them are getting places between first and fifth in their respective classes.
The minister said he believes each student can become a good citizen who can contribute to the development of the country.
Minister Anthony also promised that, next year, students will graduate with certificates after completing the Kuru Kuru course at NOC.
He also pledged that, after students leave the NOC, they will be given $20,000 each to either continue their studies at an educational institution or to set up their own skilled work establishment. The money will be given as a grant and students will be strictly monitored.
The minister also thanked all the partners of NOC, especially the Radio’s Needy Children Fund, who yearly distribute gifts to the children.
Head of NCN and Chairman of the Radio’s Needy Children Fund, Mr Mohamed Sattaur, in an address to students, said children are the same, whether in Guyana or across the world.
He said this is the fifth year Radio’s Needy Children Fund is giving gifts to the students of NOC.
Mr Sattaur said that NCN will hold parties for children in every administrative region of the country, and will distribute some 8,000 gifts.
The chairman also thanked the business community for their support to the Radio’s Needy Children Fund.
Present at the Minister’s Luncheon were Region Two Vice-Chairman Vishnu Samaroo, Youth Director, Carl Brandon, Permanent Secretary, Alfred King, Assistant Youth Director, Devanand Ramdat.