TWO hundred Christmas presents will be donated to children in North Rupununi, Region 9 (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo) by pupils of Starters Nursery School in Georgetown on December 12.

Founder/Secretary of the donor organisation, Eiripan, Ms. Neketa Forde said its name is an Acoushi word which means to share.
She said the programme, initially, is to increase the literacy rate of children born and living in North Rupununi, so they can access a better education.
Forde noted that literacy is a necessary tool for development and that personal participation in the developmental process is essential for a stronger and better community.
She said the areas targeted this year are Katoka Quatatta, Kaicumbay, Yupukari and Fly Hill, catering, so far, for 1000 children.
DONATIONS
Forde said preparation for the distribution started since September and donations were received from many sources, including Republic Bank, Demerara Bank, Scotiabank, Banks DIH, Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL), Edward Beharry and Company, MP Computec and Digicel.
According to her, as it is too costly to fly, they have asked for a donation of fuel to travel by land, returning to Georgetown on December 30.
Forde revealed that Eiripan has four annual projects, a book drive and classroom enhancement; Christmas for Makanaima’s Angels; Good Jobs Awards including best graduating students of Annai High School and a special one for developmental toys to nursery schools.
She said Eiripan gets the majority of book packs from Digicel every year but it is still to ascertain the given quantity for this year.
However, sometimes dolls, hair bubbles and lunch packs are among the donations received.