THE Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities (GCOPD) has kicked off its back-to-school drive, and has secured approximately half of all of the items needed to aid 50 children as they return to school in September.

The intention is to aid children with disabilities, along with children who have parents with disabilities, who are less fortunate and find it difficult to secure all of the items needed for the new school year.

“We had an initial target of 50. So far, we got 25 school bags along with books, sanitary napkins, and some T-shirts from the ‘Give another Child Foundation.’ We also got school bags and other stationery from friends in the US. It’s a big thing and I want to thank these persons,” Programme Coordinator, Ganesh Singh, told the Guyana Chronicle.

The GCOPD is partnering with Young Voices Guyana and Access Guyana on the initiative and is calling on the public to support the “2019 Back-to-School Drive.”

Support is being solicited through the donation of any items that might assist with this venture. The list includes, but is not limited to, school bags (all age groups), notebooks, pens, pencils, water bottles, erasers, pencil cases, crayons, sharpeners, socks and vests, among other school items.

“Your kind donation will be highly appreciated as we partner to ensure that 50 children with disabilities and children of persons with disabilities are fully prepared and equipped to return to school in September,” GCOPD had said.

Persons who wish to donate can contact Ganesh Singh on 1-592-652-8975 or ganeshyvg@gmail.com.

The GCOPD is a collaborative forum which was established in January 2008 and is made up of representatives of different organisations for persons with disabilities. Its members meet regularly to support each other with the objective of building a stronger disability movement in Guyana.

Meanwhile, Young Voices Guyana promotes that every person with a disability deserves the right to a meaningful education and independent life.