BERBICE High School student Sarah Shivpersaud has returned to the classroom after a week’s absence following the destruction of her family home at Canefield Settlement, East Canje Berbice.Guyana Chronicle caught up with the 15-year-old last Thursday. Hurrying to get her Head Teacher Ms. Tracey Helligar, with whom she posed for a photograph, Sarah said she was grateful for President Granger’s intervention.

“It was an unfortunate incident, but behind every dark cloud there is a silver lining. I am grateful and thankful for his kind gesture,” the student said.

The President visited Sarah and her mother, Lalita Bedessie, on October 25. They are currently staying with relatives at Canefield, East Canje, after a fire destroyed their home. The teenager lost her school-based assessments (SBA), school books, uniforms, and other personal items during the fire.

She was presented with a bicycle to help her get to school. Additionally, the Government, through the Region 6 Administration, will pay the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination fees for the fifth former.

President Granger said, “From the time we heard about the fire and the fact that she was preparing for [CSEC], we felt that we had to do something…so we are just committed to ensuring that you stay in school and do well.”

Days before, Public Information and Press Services Officer, Ms Lloyda Garrett, representing the Head of State, had travelled to Berbice and made the student a cash donation at the Lot 56, West Canefield Settlement, East Canje Berbice site where the two-bedroomed cottage was once located.

Fire of unknown origin had razed the wooden edifice, destroying everything in its path and leaving the family of three homeless. The fifth former and her mother, Lalita Bedessie, have expressed gratitude for the kind gesture, and have issued a call for the private sector to assist in having their home rebuilt.

“If persons can give some wood, I would get persons to help me build. I do not want bed and household articles at this point. I just need assistance in rebuilding, so I can have somewhere to rest my head,” the girl pleaded.

Sarah, who plans to pursue a career in law, said her teachers are very supportive, and are assisting her with the notes, which will assist her as she prepares her school-based assessments.