• concludes with distribution of more than 300 school packages in Region Ten

THE Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) has concluded its nationwide back-to-school initiative after distributing more than 300 backpacks filled with school supplies to children in six Linden communities, as part of a programme valued at more than $6 million.

The final phase of the month-long exercise was conducted recently with distributions reaching children in Coomacka Mines, Siberian Mines, Chinese Road, Speightland, West Watooka and Block 22 in Region Ten.

The initiative, funded through contributions from more than 20 miners, also reached children in Region Four, Bartica and other mining communities across the country, providing students with essential materials for the new academic year while helping to ease the financial burden on parents.

GGDMA Managing Director, Avalon Jagnandan, said the association was pleased to support families in mining communities and thanked the donors who contributed to the programme.

“We are excited to give back to the mining community and the mining town of Linden. Over the past month, we have been actively engaging several mining areas and districts, giving back to the kids in those areas and giving back to the mining communities,” Jagnandan said.

He described the Linden outreach as the conclusion of the current phase of the project, acknowledging the miners and other contributors whose support enabled the association to distribute the school packages.

The donations comprised backpacks and school supplies for primary and secondary school learners, with the association emphasising the importance of helping children access the resources needed for their education.

Residents and community representatives welcomed the initiative, noting its practical benefits for families preparing for the school year.

Community representative Sunita Jacobs thanked the association for taking the programme directly to residents and providing tangible support to the community.

“We want to say a big thank you for coming to our community and for bringing this initiative here, not only just to visit, but to bring something back into our community,” Jacobs said.

Schoolteacher and resident, Rufina Allicock, said the donation would help ensure that children were better equipped for learning.

“Being a school teacher, I know what it means for learners to be equipped with the necessary materials to prepare them for schooling,” she said, adding that the initiative had brought joy to the children while helping parents manage the cost of purchasing school supplies.

In Chinese Road, resident Lorina Swaven also expressed appreciation for the community’s inclusion in the programme, saying the children were happy to receive the packages.

The Linden distribution followed earlier exercises in Region Four and Bartica. In Bartica, more than 500 primary and secondary school learners   received backpacks and supplies, while meals were also provided for children attending the activity.

The association said the programme formed part of its corporate social responsibility efforts, aimed at supporting the communities that have sustained Guyana’s mining industry and helping young people access educational opportunities.

With the current initiative completed, the GGDMA thanked the miners, community leaders, parents, teachers and volunteers who helped deliver the packages across the country. It also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting education and community development in mining areas.