DURING the week leading up to the opening of the new school term, Women For Change (WFC), the women’s arm of the Alliance For Change, quietly brought smiles to the faces of hundreds of school children and parents across the country.

WFC distributed over 300 backpacks and 2000 items of school supplies in all 10 administrative regions, a release from the organisation said. The back to school drive which was initiated and driven by newly-elected WFC President Mrs. Tamara Khan and her executive included note books, pens, pencils, compass sets, socks and other items. Distribution was done by Mrs. Khan and WFC representatives in various communities including Mabaruma, Corentyne, West Coast Berbice, Mocha Arcadia, Tuschen, Mahdia, Lethem, Linden, Bartica and on the Essequibo Coast among other areas.

“Education plays a pivotal role in shaping every child for life and WFC is pleased to make a contribution to these young students to make life in school a little more comfortable,” Mrs. Khan explained. “We are aware that some parents are still finding difficulties providing all the things needed for school and we are very pleased to be able to alleviate a little bit of that burden,” Mrs. Khan said.

“WFC commends President David Granger for the emphasis and priority he has placed on education and specifically for the Five Bs programme. WFC sees this drive as a contribution to that programme,” Mrs. Khan added. The WFC President thanked the many businesspersons, corporate donors and individuals who contributed to the drive and signalled that it will execute another initiative to bring smiles to children for the Christmas holidays.

The WFC wishes all Guyanese children a safe and successful school term and also hails the hardworking teachers for delivering a higher quality education to our children. Further the WFC recognises the improved results that Guyanese students have been producing in recent years and looks forward to this trend continuing. Children who benefitted from the back-to-school drive include students at: Kartabo Nursery; Edinburgh Nursery; St. Mary’s Nursery; Mocha Nursery; Vergenoegen Nursery; Lachmansingh Primary; Litchfield Primary; Number 29 Primary; Belladrum Primary; Philadelphia Primary; Rose Hall Primary; Wineperu Primary; Auchlyne Primary; Tuschen Primary; Linden Foundation Secondary; Canje Secondary; Port Mourant Secondary; Skeldon Line Path Secondary; Rosignol Secondary and Diamond Secondary.