TWELVE-YEAR-OLD designer and entrepreneur, Autum Rose, and thirteen-year-old author, Anaya Willaus, will be among a lineup of speakers who will be participating in a virtual forum, on Saturday, that will mark the first anniversary of Kupanda Sisters Inc, a NGO that advocates literacy.

Celebrated under the theme “Literacy is a Human Right” the forum will take place, via Zoom, from 15:00 hours to 16:30 hours.

Other speakers slated to take part in the event include Congolese/Cypriot philanthropist and international model, Noella Musunka; founder and CEO of the World Literacy Foundation, Andrew Kay; Headmistress of Sophia Primary School, Audrey Sue; and overseas-based Guyanese Neville Welch

“The anniversary event will be a reflective celebration of the challenges and opportunities the organization has encountered over the past year. It will also be a time to recognise those who have measurably contributed to the success of the organization and gather support for the work that needs to be done,” a statement from the organization said.
The Kupanda Sisters was incorporated in New York in April, 2019 and launched in Guyana on May 25, 2019, and has been partnering with the Sophia Primary School since. The pilot programme began with a class consisting of 10 academically at-risk pupils and 10 high achievers.

This curriculum used is consistent with that of the Ministry of Education (MoE) targets literacy standards and benchmarks and is structured into six modules. Classes are held for two hours every Saturday.

Kupanda Sisters Inc, was created as a non-profit organisation aimed at uplifting and empowering women and young people from underprivileged communities by providing “quality literacy resources and skills that would help them to become meaningful contributors to their communities”.

“Kupanda Sisters envisions a world wherein people of underserved communities have free, timely, and reliable access to quality educational resources. We will deliver quality and effective literacy programmes, resources, mentorship, literacy and personal development, and community stewardship,” the statement said.
Kupanda Sisters originated from the childhood experiences of its founder, Cindy Charles, who grew up in societal illiteracy and widespread poverty. “Kupanda” is the Swahili word which means to rise

As a child, Charles, spent many days memorising passages rather than learning to read, and was later disappointed when she failed the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) examinations. Subsequently, she took private literacy lessons.

“The leadership team at Kupanda Sisters is excited about the upcoming anniversary celebration. They are also grateful for all the support and resources donated to the organization as it strives to uplift women and young people, in underserved communities, through quality and reliable educational resources,” the statement quotes Charles as saying.