AS the Rotary Club of Georgetown Central (RCGC) celebrates another year of impactful service, the organisation is spotlighting four major projects that advanced education, youth empowerment, elderly care, and peace-building across communities in Guyana.

RCGC President Jagdesh Haripershad described the 2024–2025 Rotary year as one of “purposeful action, innovation, and collaboration,” noting, “Every project we undertake is aimed at addressing a genuine need in our society. It’s not just about service — it’s about creating lasting, positive change.”

According to a release by the club, the four flagship initiatives undertaken over the past year include:

In observance of Education Month and Rotary International’s September focus on Basic Education and Literacy, RCGC rolled out a series of impactful initiatives. Over 150 backpacks and school supplies were distributed to students, while computers, printers, and back-up batteries were donated to the St John Bosco Boys Orphanage and Prabhu Sharan Orphanage.

The club’s ongoing West Ruimveldt Literacy Programme—launched in 2023—continues to improve reading and comprehension skills among children aged five to 13. RCGC also collaborated with the Rotaract Club of Georgetown Central and Interact Clubs from Queen’s College and The Bishops’ High School to host the “READ Project: Pages of Potential,” a literacy workshop tailored for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

In celebration of International Day of the Girl, RCGC hosted its second annual Girls’ Empowerment Retreat, engaging participants from ChildLink, HIAS Guyana, Plum Park Sophia Children and Family Centre, and the Food For The Poor Youth Development Programme. The retreat focused on building confidence, promoting self-care, and encouraging girls to envision bold futures.

For World Mental Health Day, RCGC partnered with the Rotary and Rotaract Clubs of Corriverton and the International Development and Relief Foundation (IDRF) to host a mental health seminar in Region Six. The event provided 40 adolescents with a safe space to learn about mental health awareness, identify early signs of mental illness and challenge stigma.

In November 2024, RCGC officially handed over refurbished living accommodations to Uncle Eddie’s Home, a landmark initiative marking the club’s 40th Anniversary. The project included plans for a self-sustaining revenue stream to support the home’s long-term maintenance. To commemorate the International Day of Older Persons, the club also hosted a special luncheon and donated 10 wheelchairs to residents.

Additionally, RCGC collaborated with the Ministry of Health to host a medical outreach in Moblissa, Soesdyke-Linden Highway. The outreach provided essential health screenings, medical services, and pharmaceutical supplies to underserved residents in the area.

On the eve of Rotary International’s 120th anniversary in February, RCGC installed a Peace Pole at the Wellness Space in the National Park, symbolising a commitment to peace, unity, and health. The unveiling was accompanied by a community walk under the theme, “Steps Toward Peace and Health: Walking Together for a Stronger Community.”

The club also upheld its tradition of spreading joy with the 33rd Annual Kite Flying and Games Day for boys from the St John Bosco Orphanage, fostering fellowship and fun.

SUPPORT AND GRATITUDE

President Haripershad extended heartfelt thanks to the club’s members, Rotaractors, Interactors, and generous partners including The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Tropical Shipping, National Hardware Inc., Ideal Autos Inc., Jivish & Associates Professional Services, Distribution Services Limited, Demerara Distillers Limited, IPED, Chungs Global Inc., Eureka Medical Laboratories Inc., and Brass Aluminum & Cast Iron Foundry Ltd.

“What makes our club exceptional is not just what we do, but the spirit in which we do it — together, with passion and purpose,” Haripershad said.

Chartered on November 1, 1983, RCGC remains committed to Rotary International’s core focus areas: education, disease prevention, clean-water access and community development. The club continues to exemplify Rotary’s motto: Service Above Self.

For more information on RCGC and its initiatives, follow the Rotary Club of Georgetown Central on Facebook and Instagram.