–parents implored to let children read and do research

RESIDENTS of Sandvoort Village, West Canje, Berbice are proud to have been considered for, and grateful to have received, a library which was commissioned in the community last Monday.

The idea to establish a Community Library was fostered by former Headmaster of the Sandvoort Primary School, Mr. Madoda Alfred, with help of villagers, and was put forward to the United States Peace Corps, which has volunteers working at the institution.

Matthew Cusimano, a volunteer at the school, told the Guyana Chronicle that although Sandvoort Village is not in a town or hinterland, it happens to be in an in-between area that is not often thought about, and the establishment of a library there is testimony that such projects can be executed anywhere in Guyana.

“My involvement was more of a liaison between resources in Georgetown and here in this village. There was a lot of communication on my part with personnel in the capital city, and to bring resources out to Region 6. We know that a lot of assistance can be had from outside of Berbice, and my job was to re-educate my superiors in Georgetown as to what is happening in this county,” he informed.

The cost of the project is US$5,750., but the value of the venture is US$70,000., according to Cusimano.

“Because so many people in this village came out to support this project in terms of painting, cleaning, donating and shipment of materials, we need to take those factors into account…it comes out to US$70,000 in value,” he stressed.

The library is equipped with three computers, printers, and Internet access, which will assist in researching.

IMPORTANT TO READ
Literacy Officer attached to the Region 6 Department of Education, Simone Dainty, reminded Sandvoort residents of the importance of reading, and noted that the library was established to enable better academic performance among the students in the village.

“It is (very) important for you to make full use of your community library and to ensure that your children occupy their time meaningfully by reading relevant materials that (would) improve their learning skills,” she advised.

The Community Library is located at the bottom flat of the Sandvoort Primary School, which currently has thirty students and four members of staff, including Headmistress Ms. Raylene Whyte, who was very instrumental in making the project a reality, through her support and technical guidance.

(By Michael Khan)