THE Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) feted more than 450 orphans and vulnerable children from many of the orphanages across Guyana through a fun day held at the CIOG’s Thomas Lands location.

The children hailed from many of the orphanages in Guyana and from the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre, according to Tasneem Akbar, who had oversight for this year’s event. She related that the 450 children, who are part of the CIOG’s orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) programme, assembled for a day filled with enjoyment.

The event started earlier in the morning, when First Lady Sandra Granger shared kind words with all of the children during an opening ceremony. After that ceremony, the children were left to enjoy as much as possible, all the attractions in the compound– until of course, it was time to eat.

“The children don’t experience this on a daily basis and if once a year we can do something for them, it is our duty to provide for these children as well,” Akbar said, while highlighting, “This Fun Day is the largest activity for the CIOG.”

In Islamic scripture, she explained that it is a duty of Muslims that no matter how little, if they can do something for these vulnerable children, they should. “It’s a great deed in the eyes of Allah,” Tasneem related.