– presents laptop, commits to providing personal tutor

PEOPLE’S Progressive Party / Civic Member of Parliament, Bibi Shaddick yesterday visited Sasha Bharrat of Block 8, Mon Repos, East Coast of Demerara, to personally hand over a laptop thorough the One Laptop Per Family (OLPF) Programme.

The parents of the ten- year old expressed heartfelt gratitude to Ms. Shaddick for her initiative. Sasha is suffering from ichthyosis, a rare case of incurable skin disease.
This presentation was as a result of the publication of an article in the Stabroek News on November 14 on Sasha’s condition and a cry by the child to be educated.
Shaddick highlighted that she was committed to ensuring that the child is educated. She added with the help of the laptop, Sasha will now be able to have access to the wider world; this will not be a challenge for her since she is computer literate.
The MP promised the Bharrat family that she will replace their existing air conditioning unit since it is not functioning properly, and is necessary to help Sasha sleep when it’s hot. She added that she will assist in defraying the electricity bill; she will pay a tutor to visit their residence to teach the child, and will donate some books to the child shortly.
Meanwhile Ms. Joan Mapp of Church Road, Subryanville, an elderly woman who is afflicted with sickle-cell disease and who earns a livelihood by cycling across Georgetown on a daily basis to retail Avon products, also received a laptop.
Shaddick highlighted that with the aid of a laptop, the woman will be able to take orders on line so she will no longer have to spend so much time cycling around to find markets.
Shaddick also explained the process of using the laptop to Mapp, since she acknowledged that she has very little knowledge about Information Communication Technology (ICT). A personal trainer will also be visiting her at home to complete the five-day training.
Ms. Mapp expressed her gratitude to the government for this initiative which she stated will help to make her work and life much easier. She added that it will also benefit her disabled brother who resides in the upper flat of her home.

(GINA)