THE Guyana Defence Force (GDF), in its ongoing mission of service to the nation, has been impacting the lives of members of Cashew Island, a small Amerindian community in Region 6 (East Berbice-Corentyne), in a way that will have lasting benefits.

Cashew Island is located in New River, approximately two-and-a-half miles from Base Camp Jaguar. The community has an average population of 80 persons, including children.

Cashew Island Primary School got the services of a trained teacher, who was sourced through the GDF, to enhance the skills of the pupils, a press release from the Army said.

Prior to 2011, there was no school in the community, and the persons there spoke their traditional languages, Trio and Wai-Wai. The Toshao of the community, Kenke Yiamo ,who has functioned as a guide for GDF personnel during patrols, requested the Force’s assistance in teaching his people.

The release added that Major ( ret’d) Ivan McNaughton and his wife, Yvette McNaughton, a trained teacher, were employed by the Force to teach the children of that community. They are being taught reading, basic mathematical and composition skills.

“When we first started, it was very difficult for us to communicate with them. Language was the major barrier. Today, even the little five- year-olds understand English. Those who have absorbed the language faster, help each other during test time with translations. The parents are also very eager to have their children learn,” Mc Naughton stated. He added that even though the school population is small, the work is substantial.

Four of the older children have since been brought to Georgetown to pursue vocational training, the release said.

Meanwhile, teachers have since implemented evening classes at the school for several parents who are being taught reading and basic mathematics.

“Our biggest wish is for the children in particular to learn to read and write properly so that they can come out to further their studies. It is my hope that they will return to their communities to help out as skilled people are really needed there,” he added.

The GDF has been the driving force in contributing to the welfare of this community, from the provision of employment and infrastructure to medical care.