GEORGETOWN Councillor Malcolm Ferreira continues to make strides in the interest of youths and today more than 50 students, who were unable to attend school for the new term did so after being presented with school supplies following a back-to-school drive which saw the support of members of the business community.He told the Guyana Chronicle that in the Albouystown/Charlestown area where he grew up he saw the need to initiate such a drive because many students could not go to school simply because they did not have all the essentials needed.

Ferreira of Constituency #10 said while some school-age children had some of the things needed for school, others had none and with the inspiration of 12-year-old Owen Bennett who wanted a pair of football sneakers, he embarked on the move.

The Councillor stated that with Owen’s call for assistance he knew he had to do something to ensure that the boy who is an aspiring football player get his wish.

Detailing the start of the back-to-school drive, Ferreira said it was not easy, but after he made a call for assistance several businessmen and women stepped in and offered their support by providing school shoes, back packs, uniforms and stationery.

He related that he made sure those who did not have anything for school was provided with such and they made it to school even after classes had started a few days before.

Ferreira stated that to date 300 students were gifted school supplies by the way of kind sponsors who wants to remain anonymous.

He said, “The truth is, I was inspired by Owen Bennett. He is responsible for all of the give-back that’s happening in the community. Owen pleaded for ‘PEGS’ and his screams have resulted in all that has happened so far. So today Owen received his ‘PEGS’ and he brought along his friend too. Youths like Owen are bursting with athletic abilities and we must channel those energies in a positive manner.”

Chronicling his life, Ferreira told this newspaper that as a young boy his aim was to become a gynecologist but that didn’t work out.

As a former President’s College student he was determined to always be at the top in his class, given the fact he came from a humble home growing up in the Albouystown/Charlestown area.

He noted, “But at home, the role models around in Albouystown were mostly wanted men, thieves, gamblers, pick pockets, hustlers, break and enter crew, hardcore robbers, bullies, and old jail men with bare jail talks.”

Ferreira told the Guyana Chronicle that education paved the way for him to become the person he is today and it also caused him to have a vested interest in youths since he is aware of their situation.