POLICE officers from the Providence Police Station, headed by Woman Inspector Small and accompanied by members of the ‘A’ Division 2 Community Policing Group, on Sunday last donated several school items to the Mocha Arcadia Primary School.

The exercise books, sharpeners, lead pencils, erasers and other items were handed over to the headteacher of the school, Ms. Vanessa Thumbler-Moore, by the Community Policing Group’s Chairman, Sewnarine Kalicharan.

The handing over was witnessed by secretary of the CPG, Paul McTurk, Inspector Small, Woman Sergeant Handy, parents, and several students of the school.

In her very short speech, the senior police officer told the children that the decision to donate the items was arrived at between the police and the community policing group, who viewed the education of the children and the need for them to be equipped with learning materials as very important.

She encouraged the children to remain focused on their education, and to understand the need for them to be educated, employed, and to separate themselves from activities which are in contravention of the laws of Guyana and could see them getting into problems with the law.

She also brought them greetings on behalf of her divisional commander and sub-division officer, who were unable to be present at the handing over ceremony on Sunday.

The two community policing group members spoke to the children about remaining on the good side of the law, and about reporting any unlawful activities to their teachers, who would forward those reports to the police.

They expressed satisfaction that they were able to team up with the police to ensure the acquisition of the items and their subsequent handing over to the school, and they expressed hope that the items play an integral part in the children’s learning process.

They promised that the donation to the school would not be the last of its kind, since the police and the CPG body would remain in contact with the school and would provide, where necessary, the items which are needed when those can be provided by the two bodies.

School’s Head, Ms. Vanessa Moore, on behalf of the teachers, students, and residents of Mocha, thanked the two bodies for their donation to the school, and disclosed that the items would be used by the school in the manner expected.

She also expressed optimism that the good relationship between the police and the school would continue.

There were close to sixty students present to witness the handing over of the items to the school. There were also some parents present at the event, proving to the teachers and the police that they, too, are involved in the hands-on approach to educating the children.

(By Leroy Smith)