Careful transformation makes dumpsite into a cosy, well-kept hub for education

MELISSA Cush wanted to be the change in her community during a troubled time when the village was stigmatised and crime was on the rise.

As a resident of East Ruimveldt, Georgetown, she was disheartened by the events of 2017, which she described as a lot of senseless killings taking place in the community, and she was not happy about it.

However, she had a vision—one she eventually made a reality by turning a dumpsite into a place where children, youths, and adults could come together for various activities, including educational programmes and skills training exercises.

Through that difficult period for the village, the East Ruimveldt Learning Centre was born. It transformed the community, and with assistance from many, including Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken, the building still stands strong today.

Cush told Pepperpot Magazine that after the garbage was cleared from the space, she began to transform it by installing old tyres and benches.

It wasn’t yet to an acceptable standard—without a building, it was still just an open space. When Hicken came on board after learning of Cush’s initiative, he pitched in to lend support in 2023.

She said that brick by brick, the building was constructed, replacing a plot of land once covered in rubbish. The flat concrete structure now stands as a testimony to faith and determination by Cush, who partnered with others to reach that level. Today, the edifice is serving its intended purpose in the community.

Cush explained that through the collective goodwill of others, the idea for the East Ruimveldt Learning Centre was realised. Once the building was completed, they began furnishing it with the help of donors.

Cush, founder of what was formerly known as the East Ruimveldt Giving Back Centre, later renamed the East Ruimveldt Learning Centre, manages the facility located in the heart of the village via Back Circle.

Ever since, Cush has taken on the responsibility of the centre’s general upkeep. It operates on donations and the kind gestures of others, including villagers.

She reported that she is in the process of securing a potable water supply for the building and that some of the equipment, such as the small refrigerator she has been using for the past four years, needs to be replaced.

Cush revealed that she has been collaborating with several agencies, including the Ministry of Labour and Manpower, to host training programmes for the youths in the village.

In addition, she hopes to introduce facial makeup courses for young women in the community, enabling them to establish their own small businesses. Cush is currently trying to source a salon station and chair to start the programme at the East Ruimveldt Learning Centre.

She noted that the centre aims to empower young people and equip them with life skills, enabling them to earn a living by establishing their own businesses.

The founder said the centre usually caters for around 70 children from the community, though attendance varies depending on the courses offered.

She expressed her gratitude for the support the centre has received from corporate Guyana, individuals, organisations, and other agencies, which helps to keep its doors open.

Cush added that the centre hosts many activities and events, including Christmas breakfasts for children, followed by a fun day with games, a cancer walk on October 26, 2025, spelling bee competitions, beauty pageants for young girls, annual dinners for senior mothers, gift basket distributions for the elderly, domino competitions for fathers, Mashramani celebrations, and tea parties, among others.

She shared that she tries her best to host events so that the children can experience all celebrations right within the village, ensuring no one is left out. Each activity relies on donations and community support.

The mother of eight said her husband died last year from meningitis, leaving her a single mother of four school-aged children and four adults.