DIGICEL (Guyana) hosted a dinner at the Georgetown Club on Camp Street, last Saturday evening, as part of the first anniversary celebrations of the ‘Social Life Issues,’ an organisation that assists school dropouts and drug addicts to reintegrate in society, whose funding is provided by the giant telecommunications company.

Director of Social Life Issues, Mr. John Greaves, told the gathering he is pleased that the organisation could pull off an anniversary in such fine style and with such fine dining, even as he thanked Digicel for its unwavering support.

He spoke at length of the work of the organisation, which entails visiting schools and workplaces to talk about drug and alcohol abuse through their pilot project.

Greaves added that the motto: ‘Nipping it in the bud,’ is precisely what the organisation seeks to do. He said the organisation has a variety of initiatives to rope in young people, and members are hoping that the project grows although the organisation has not yet been registered.

He stated that since its establishment on May 25, 2013, ‘Social Life Issues’ has made strides, but more could be achieved with increased support from other organisations to enable Social Life Issues to consolidate and expand into the vibrant entity its potential suggests.

Greaves explained that the idea was conceptualised when he recognised the need to reach out and assist young people to cope with life. He decided to open an avenue to facilitate young people in making informed decisions in life, for which they can ultimately benefit.

Representing the sole sponsor, Digicel Guyana, was the company’s Sponsorship and Events Manager, Mr. Gavin Hope, who lauded Social Life Issues for doing work in several schools.

He applauded the work of the organisation, and declared that its members have been working tirelessly to improve the youth counselling and guidance services they provide.

Divisional Commander of the Salvation Army, Major Cumberbatch, also spoke of the work of Social Life Issues, and its collaboration with the Salvation Army to promote alcohol and drug abuse awareness.

He lauded Social Life Issues for the steps it had taken in reaching out to the vulnerable, and for just doing something on the whole.

Advisor Dr. Faith Harding, and Miss Guyana/India, Katherina Roshana, also made brief remarks at the occasion.

(By Michel Outridge)