THE Ministry of Human Services and Social Security is partnering with Digicel (Guyana) to build a multi-million-dollar facility for ‘at risk’ children. The location is at Unity, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara, next to the Children’s Home, and the state-of-the-art structure will serve specifically to house young girls who have been victims of sexual abuse or incest, Director of the Child Care and Protection Agency, Ms. Ann Greene disclosed recently.
Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Ms. Jennifer Webster, who gave details of the project, said the building would feature dormitories, bathrooms, laundry rooms, a study, a recreational room, an infirmary, a kitchen, dining room, offices and caretaker quarters while comfortably housing 60 children.
She said Digicel has also promised to provide all the furnishings required.
Webster said the construction began in July 2012 and is now more than 60 percent complete, with completion expected within the first quarter of this year.
The Minister said it is anticipated to be a place of high quality where all the children who are sheltered there will call it home and feel at home.
“We at the Ministry are hoping that, with the construction of this facility, a number of other privately-run homes will feel encouraged to upgrade their existing facilities,” she added.