THE Shaheed Boys and Girls Orphanages have introduced a recreation space at its Oleander Gardens, East Coast Demerara.The facility is currently outfitted with floodlights for security purposes, a benab, two swing and slide sets.
The endeavor was made possible by a number of contributors, most notably the Save Abee Foundation, Aurora Goldmines Inc. and the Association of Chinese Enterprises.
Raheema Rahaman and Hakeem Khan, the Treasurer and Secretary of the Management Board of the Orphanages, noted that the orphanages fall under the Guyana United Sadr Islamic Anjuman, the only representative Muslim Organization to be incorporated by Parliamentary legislature.
They spoke of the “long and tedious road” in establishing the recreational space and thanked all who made the venture possible. Rahaman and Khan said that the orphanages are run through a transparent process and is open to any who wishes to examine any of their audited financial statements.
Khan said the space was needed as the Boys’ Orphanage lacks the space to adequately cater for the recreational needs of the boys housed there.
Ayanna Jean- Baptiste from the Guyana Goldfields Inc. (Aurora Goldmines Inc.) said that the gold producing organization has a “Children’s Need and development Initiative” for four years and was happy to be a part of the setting up of the facility.
Jason Wong, a representative from the Association of Chinese Enterprises (Guyana) also expressed his pleasure to be a part of this initiative, stating that “this kind of a social charity deserves everyone’s respect and aid.”
Co- founder of the Save Abee Foundation, Asha Tilak and team member Ricky Bisslondutt said the Foundation decided to partner on the venture after the need for it was highlighted by celebrated Guyanese singer Terry Gajraj, who is also a member of the Foundation.
Also speaking at this event, on behalf of Minister of Social Protection Volda Lawrence, was the Permanent Secretary Lorene Baird. She said the Ministry remains committed to such projects.
She noted that “child rights are fundamental human rights” and stated that it was saddening that many children are still neglected, abandoned and abused, but it is important to provide stronger support to such organizations which help.
Malcolm Harripaul, Advisor at the Ministry of Presidency said that when he visited the area in January, 2013, the area which is now a recreational facility, was waterlogged and could not be used. He too expressed pleasure at the creation of the recreation space and pledged his support in organising structured sporting activities.
Perhaps the most empowering speech at this event was given by the Girls’ Orphanage’s neighbor – Pat Habibullah, better known as “Aunty Pat.”
In her impromptu presentation, she said that the children were fully deserving of the facility. She also stated that the children themselves worked with their wheelbarrows and spades to help build the facility. She noted that the girls residing here have been faithful guardians of the neighborhood.
Aunty Pat said the most important thing is “See Me”- a cry the children have and one which she encourages everyone to understand. She said the children would always say Aunty Pat ‘see me” whenever they did something noteworthy and she said that these children should not be seen as orphans but as individuals and children who just want to be acknowledged and cared for.
Aunty Pat, in collaboration with other neighbors, presented a basketball, a football and a jump rope to the orphanages and she called on the public to also donate to these children.
Reaz Hussein- popular Television personality chaired this opening ceremony and Terry Gajraj- popular singer and also a member of the Save Abee Foundation entertained the audience. (Vishani Ragobeer)
