Over $4 million worth in items were donated to 15 schools, two orphanages and four non-governmental organizations in East Berbice when the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTYSC) launched its 2008 “Anti-drug and Pro-Education Campaign.”

Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the RHTYSC, Hilbert Foster pointed out that the club promotes the campaign yearly “with the main aim of getting youths to say ‘Yes to Education and No to Drugs.’”

Among the items donated were hygiene kits, books, toys, clothing and computer workstations.

Foster noted that “education is the key to a successful future and as such the RHTYSC is committed towards making sure that every child has an educational background.”

In 2008, he said, the club would be “expanding the programme to construct more information billboards, give more educational scholarships to needy students and host evening classes and educational awards ceremonies for outstanding students and teachers.”

He expressed gratitude to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints for making the donations possible. In his remarks, Elder Charles Tanner said his church “is committed to assisting the less fortunate worldwide.”

He said he was pleased to be associated with the RHTYSC, which he described as a “champion organization.” He challenged the teachers and students to take advantage of the donation to lift the standard of education in Berbice.

Education Officer for the Nursery Schools in Region Six, Penelope Mc Intosh said the donation would “play a great part in assisting schools to fulfil their mandate of educating the minds of youths.”

The nursery department of the Ministry of Education received $300,000 worth of teaching materials from the club on behalf of schools in the Lower Corentyne area.

Meanwhile on Thursday, the club launched its “2008 Community Development Programme” and presented a quantity of items including sanitary wear, cleaning equipment, office stationery and detergents to the Rose Hall Town Interim Management Committee.

Foster remarked that the club is committed to improving the welfare of the residents and that “over the years the club has invested millions of dollars to transform the Area ‘H’ Recreational Centre, install modern street signs, repair the kiddies play corner and construct a charity kitchen.”

In 2007, he said RHTYSC contributed close to $40,000 “of our own funds to assist the Town Council to successfully host the first ever Rose Hall Town Day.”

He pointed out that the council has benefited from numerous donations from the club and has pledged to continue. He also challenged the Town Council to “put the development of the Town ahead of petty personal differences