THE Amerindian Peoples Association (APA), between July 14 and 19, 2023, visited the Region Eight communities of Micobie, El Paso, Campbelltown and Chenapou, to distribute items collected during the recent donation drive to support those affected by the Mahdia Secondary School female dormitory fire.

Stationery supplies, feminine hygiene products, toiletries, clothing and other school supplies were among some of the supplies distributed to the girls that survived the May 21, 2023 fire that resulted in the deaths of 19 other girls and one boy.

On May 23, the APA commenced its donation drive in an effort to raise material donations as well as pledges to address some of the needs of the survivors and the families of those who lost their lives as well as the communities as a whole.

The APA received donations from businesses, private citizens, religious institutions and partners and has been assisting families since the fire.

Additionally, stationery supplies were handed over to the Mahdia Secondary School and the survivors of Karisparu Village.

Last week’s distribution exercise represents the first large scale donation to the families. Before this exercise, the Association had also provided care packages and minimal financial assistance to some families while they were in Georgetown immediately after the fire.

The APA donation team was led by Executive Director, Ms. Jean La Rose and included Governance and Rights Coordinator, Ms. Laura George; GIS Specialist/Forest Policy Officer, Mr. Michael Mc Garrell; Policy and Administrative Support Officer, Ms. Don Stoll; Communications and Visibility Officer, Mr. Lakhram Bhagirat, and Mental Health Therapist, Ms. Arianne Chand.

Ms. Chand, a US trained Mental Health Therapist who provided voluntary support, met with survivors of the tragedy as well as parents in an effort to assess the level of mental health support needed in the long term.

Ms. La Rose and Ms. George met with members of the communities of Micobie and Campbelltown that requested a meeting to relay concerns regarding the tragedy. Additionally, Ms. Stoll and Mr. Bhagirat met with Chenapou parents and residents where similar concerns were raised.

The APA has reached out to the Minister of Education, Ms. Priya Manickchand and Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony requesting an urgent meeting to discuss the issues raised with the team.

“The APA is committed to working collaboratively with the authorities to address the concerns of the families and communities that have suffered as a result of this tragedy,” the association said.