THE students and other victims whose possessions were destroyed due to the fire at their apartment building in Cummings Lodge, recently received donations of clothing, stationery supplies, laptops and mattresses to aid them as they transition back into their educational institutions.

The Ministry of Social Protection, in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Telecommunications and the Chinese Embassy, delighted 32 students affected by the fire by donating laptops, stationery supplies and mattresses to them.
This donation was made at the National Gymnasium located on Mandela Avenue, on Friday last. Speaking at the presentation, Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally, highlighted that while she had initially offered assistance in the form of meals, accommodation, transportation and other incidentals, the students requested these items instead.

The Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha was also quick to assist these victims with donations of clothing and mattresses. Speaking to the Guyana Chronicle, President of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha said, “This [the donation] is an ongoing process, and whoever contacts the Dharmic Sabha will benefit.”
These donations were well received by the students who are all pursuing their tertiary education in institutions such as the University of Guyana, the Texila American University and the Greenheart Medical Institute. For the University of Guyana students affected, this donation was especially timely since the new semester begins shortly.

One affected university student, Navin Manohar related, “The donations are more than appreciated.” He had previously mentioned to the Guyana Chronicle that he hails from Essequibo. A budding Medical Lab Technician, Sachin Persaud, who also hails from Essequibo expressed, “I feel really good, especially because I’m happy to get a computer back.”
The students and other victims lost many of their possessions after a fire ravaged an apartment building located at Lot 46 Third Street, Cummings Lodge, on Friday, January 13.