THE Living Colour Organisation is a local non-governmental organization (NGO) based on Hogg Island, one of the largest islands in the Essequibo River. The name according the founder and chairperson of the NGO, Mellisa Thompson, is meant to bridge the gap created by racism and speak to persons, to say no matter your race or the colour of your skin, come as you are.

Ms Thompson, a health care officer attached to the Ministry of Public Health, told the Guyana Chronicle that the initiative derived from a need she saw while being stationed on the island for the past nine years.

She noted that many of the residents, especially the women and children, have been forgotten and have limited access to amenities and services such as the internet, education, clothing and shelter. She also stated that many of the young teens lack knowledge about their sexual health and well-being.

The organisation was created to provide women and children who have suffered from domestic abuse with support, shelter and counselling. It also assists single parents who lack financial resources to provide their children with meals, stationery supplies and school uniforms.

The organisation has been able to execute several sex-education classes and seminars to educate adolescents and teenage mothers about sexual health and well-being; back-to-school drives, health workshops and feeding programmes have also been held since the NGO was inaugurated back in September, 2018.

It now consists of 21 members and recently held a successful back-to-school drive on the island, providing several children in the area with book bags, exercise books, pencils and uniforms to start the new school term in September, 2019.