THE Mocha Arcadia Rising Star Youth Club, located in the compound of the school canteen in Mocha, East Bank Demerara, will be hosting their annual Christmas party for children on December 21, and a lively programme is planned.

Myrlene Cave, a volunteer of the said youth club, which was established by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) on November 14, 2014, by Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken and other staffers, explained that it was created to provide a safe place for children to gather and benefit from training and educational programmes. In addition, it was a GPF initiative to foster better public and law enforcement relations in the community.

She related that she, along with another community activist, has since arranged everything for the get-together of the children, who are members of the club.

Cave told the Pepperpot Magazine that she will be preparing a meal of raisin rice and vegetable rice with baked chicken.

A donation was received for the purchase of the chicken, and an overseas-based Guyanese is assisting with festive candies, which are expected to be shipped into the country shortly.

She reported that the Mocha Arcadia Rising Star Youth Club celebrated its 10th anniversary this year; however, no event was held due to constraints, but they will ensure the Christmas party for the children becomes a reality.

Cave said a packed programme is planned for the Christmas party for children of Mocha Arcadia, and it includes the singing of carols, reciting poems, and the children sharing their adventures since joining the club, among other activities.

She explained that the children will be provided with lunch and a party bag of goodies, as well as beverages. Some parents have pitched in to lend a helping hand by providing beverages for the event.

Cave noted that the GPF will be donating the toys for the children, and she is looking forward to their continued support in this regard, as she needs the assistance and cannot do it with only one other volunteer, Annie Baker, who has been by her side making arrangements.

She pointed out that the Mocha Arcadia Rising Star Youth Club has 40 members, consisting of children aged between four and 17 years, all drawn from the community.

Cave explained that it has been a fruitful year for the club because they had some successful projects and excelled at the inter-division police spelling bee competition in October.

She added that they also conducted a tie-dye programme and an agriculture project, during which they cultivated tomatoes and peppers. After harvesting, they shared the produce with the police and parents.

Cave disclosed that they secured first place in the Junior category of the Police Spelling Bee Competition this year, which was a significant achievement for the club.

She stated that, in August, the children went camping, and the Mocha Police Outpost donated backpacks and school supplies for the children for the new school term this year as well.

The Nelson Street, Mocha Arcadia resident told the Pepperpot Magazine that she was originally from Region One (Barima-Waini), Mabaruma, and has lived in Mocha for over 40 years. She is the mother of 11 children.

She stated that the Mocha Arcadia Rising Star Youth Club meets every Saturday to hold regular community capacity-building sessions for children and youths.

“I don’t think I can stop doing community work as a volunteer because it is part of my life, and I like being of use to others, to assist in any way that I can,” she said.

Cave is well-known in the community, and with her inherent craft skills, she can connect with many people locally, using her skills to teach and create craft pieces from materials found in the environment that would have otherwise gone to waste.

The community-based volunteer told the Pepperpot Magazine that being around children and making a difference in their lives is far more fulfilling than sitting idly, and she will continue to be an advocate for as long as she can.

The elderly leader stated that, especially during the festive season, she ensures the children have a party with toys and other goodies to take home with them.

She is, however, grateful for the sponsors, the police, and parents who donated towards the Christmas party for the children of Mocha Arcadia.