– Minister Manickchand to meet KEDA directors in G/town today

EDUCATION Minister Priya Manickchand is today expected to meet with the Directors of the recently launched Kwakwani Educational Development Association (KEDA) at her office in Georgetown.

KEDA was launched on the evening of March 15, 2014 at the Kwakwani Workers Club, and its main focus is said to be on educational developments, youth conferences, sports and educational competitions, and on

creating programmes for the development of education among the youths of Kwakwani.

Jamaine Thomas, a KEDA Director, said the Association was successfully launched, and that students, teachers and business operators of the community came out in massive numbers to support launching of the organization; but no representative from the Ministry of Education was present.

This is reportedly the first organization that is indigenous to the Kwakwani community, and the community is grateful for its existence, since it will benefit the youths of Kwakwani not only educationally, but physically.

Troya Morian, another KEDA Director, said the building in which KEDA is located needs to be upgraded, and that any person desirous of assisting the Association in this regard could so do.

She said KEDA plans to realize a sum of money through fund-raising endeavours to effect repairs to the building, since, as one of the main buildings in the community, it is used to host various events.

Ms Morian iterated that many youths in Kwakwani have a very low self-esteem, but KEDA will help in building youths into stronger individuals.

Ms Morian also said that invitations were sent out to selected members of the community to join KEDA and assist Kwakwani youths to enhance their educational skills. She said this is needed in Kwakwani, since Kwakwani can make no boast in regard to educational excellence.
The KEDA Board of Directors comprises the following persons: Howard London, an agronomist, crop extension officer and mechanic, whose qualifications are craft certificates in engine work and vehicle work, and a Bsc. in Agronomy.

Shelroy Thomas, a computer technician/Web designer, whose qualifications are a diploma in computer science from GTI and a diploma in computer science from UG.

Delney Swavin, a trained mathematics teacher, who has graduated from the Teachers Training College.

Shevon Hendy, a registered nurse who possesses a diploma in nursing.

Jamaine Thomas, a sixth-year medical student and medical practitioner.

Clarissa Hohenkirk, a second year student of the Guyana School of Agriculture, pursuing the Diploma in Agriculture, who is also a former volunteer teacher of the Kwakwani Primary School and has a certificate in Statistical Information and Monitoring Child Labour (TACKLE). She also possesses an ILO certificate in Information Technology and Office Procedure from the Ministry of Labour, Human Service and Social Security, obtained through the Guyana Women’s Leadership Institute.

And Troya Morian, a trained graduate teacher in Agriculture Science, and a choreographer/dancer whose qualifications are a Bsc in Agriculture, a Trained Teacher’s Certificate in Education Management, professional ethics, peer counselling, theatre, arts and dance.

KEDA will hold election to determine its members’ specific functions in the Association, but a date for this event has not as yet been determined.

(By Asif Hakim)