–over $100M invested to date
FIRST LADY Arya Ali, on Friday, launched Phase Four of the Adopt an Orphanage Initiative, marking another milestone in a programme she began in 2021 to provide long-term, sustainable support to children in care homes across Guyana.

In a heartfelt address at the launch event at State House, the First Lady revealed that the initiative has seen a total investment of over $100 million since its inception, an average of $25 million annually. This funding has been made possible through partnerships with the private sector, which has played a critical role in helping to transform the lives of children in residential care.

Ali explained that the programme was born out of a request from a single orphanage for more support. She said she envisioned a model that went beyond short-term donations and instead focused on sustainability and meaningful impact. Now entering its fifth year, the initiative will continue to support homes across the country for another 12 months through corporate sponsorships, which will cover essential expenses such as utilities and other operational costs.

Reflecting on the past three years, the First Lady said the investment has gone far beyond monthly bills. It has included major repairs and maintenance, provision of health services such as eye tests and dental care, educational support like school supplies, and recreational activities that promote emotional and social development.

These efforts, she noted, are intended to not only improve living conditions but also to foster a true sense of home, love, and belonging for the children. “We not only improve the place of dwelling for our children, but we create homes for them. We’re not just offering financial support; we’re inspiring dreams. We don’t just give care—we share love,” Ali emphasised.

She commended the private sector for its consistent support, describing the partnerships as a demonstration of belief in the potential of Guyana’s most vulnerable children.

She added, “The sponsorship you have made over the last five years is a testament to our belief in these children’s potential and our dedication to their success.”

She also emphasised the power of small, compassionate acts to create ripples of change and inspire transformation. Ali assured that government support will continue alongside private sponsorships.

She revealed plans to expand annual subventions and provide additional infrastructure and facilities to care homes. In a significant development, her office is also collaborating with the government to include caregivers in the part-time job programme, enabling them to supplement their incomes and continue providing quality care.

Looking ahead, she urged stakeholders and the wider public to remain committed to the initiative and to the children who depend on it. She praised the caregivers and staff of these homes for their dedication, compassion, and selfless service, acknowledging the critical role they play in shaping the lives of young people.

“Together, we are building a future where every child in Guyana knows their value, is cherished, and is capable of achieving great things. That is the One Guyana we are all building,” Ali declared.

The 11 homes are: Sanctuary Children’s Home, Bless the Children Home, Hauraruni Girls’ Home, Hope Children’s Home, Joshua House Children Centre, Prabhu Sharan Orphanage, Red Cross Children’s Convalescent Home, Ruimveldt Children’s Home and Care Centre, Shaheed’s Girls Orphanage and the Shaheed’s Boys Orphanage.

This represents an increase of two orphanages compared to the previous year.

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud, highlighted the need for safe spaces and unconditional love for Guyana’s children.

“If we see children as beings that we love, and we must always love unconditionally, then our giving and our generosity must be unconditional,” Minister Persaud said as she explained that the Child Care and Protection Agency is making significant progress in safeguarding children.

The agency is actively registering and licensing care homes, while also providing training and financial support. So far, it has trained 1,500 caregivers and launched both a parenting programme and a day-night care centre.

She noted that the agency is also focusing on early childhood development and support for children with disabilities, with several conferences and policy initiatives expected in the coming months. According to her, the overall goal is to ensure the safety, care, and well-being of every child.

The heads of the care homes expressed heartfelt gratitude for the continued support, noting that the initiative has brought meaningful improvements to the lives of the children in their care.

Also, the sponsors expressed their pride in being part of the initiative, reaffirming their commitment to supporting the well-being and development of children in care through sustained partnership and compassion.

The launch was attended by representatives of corporate sponsors, government officials, heads of care institutions, and children from the homes.

The First Lady had previously stated that the initiative was born out of a conversation with Guyanese American rapper, SAINt JHN, during his visit to State House in October 2020.
She noted that during their meeting, she and the artiste spoke of their mutual care for orphanages and discussed several ways of enriching the lives of the children in those homes. Following the discussion, Ali said she and her team came up with the idea for an initiative that would best benefit the children and their needs to grow and have access to resources that would allow for a better quality of life.