THE children of Alexander Village and nearby areas have been benefitting from the services of a youth group which aims to foster the development of the area’s children and their capabilities in various disciplines.

This was brought to the fore on Sunday afternoon when several bridges were commissioned at the community. General Secretary of the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU), Coretta McDonald who chaired the simple ceremony and who resides in the area, noted that the group has been rewarding its members, including those whose score 70 percent or more each school term.

“We have been doing quite a lot of things here,” she said, as she encouraged other residents to participate in activities of the group such as “movie nights” which are held on weekends. She said the activity would assist the children in expanding their writing skills.

Students who are members of the group are also involved in sports such as cycling, and McDonald noted that the athletes are usually coached to partake in the National Athletic Championships. She said last year the community group was able to host a children party and distribute gifts to the children in the area. Director of Sports, Christopher Jones who spoke the event at which Minister of State, Joseph Harmon and City Mayor, Patricia Chase-Green were present, told the gathering that the National Sports Commission (NSC) remains committed towards the development of the young people of the country and sports in general.

He commended Minister Harmon, whom he noted has been instrumental in ensuring the nearby community centre ground in West Ruimveldt is being upgraded. Jones said the department will ensure the ground is completed and fitted with lights, to ensure that the youth in the area can utilise the space beyond sundown.