Fifteen child-friendly corners are being created at the former All Saints Primary School building in New Amsterdam through the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF’s) Family, Youth & Children at Risk project.
This would assist in the development of a playschool, according to Alex Foster, President of the Saint Francis Community Developers (SFCD) of Rose Hall Town that is assisting with the project.
Foster said the corners, including reading, art, music, water, hygiene, puppetry and science would “help to stimulate the children’s learning ability.” While UNICEF is helping to mobilize some of the resources for the project there is a need for cradles, children’s books, toys and other items, he said.
The building which belongs to the Presbytery of Guyana would also be providing other community services such as a library, skills training centre and counseling.
Rupert Lewis, a member of the Presbyterian Church told Stabroek News that the building which the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) found to be unsuitable to house the students of All Saints Primary would soon be restored.
He said after the intervention of the PTA the church gave permission for government to construct a new school on the same spot. He said the authorities made a request for the building to be made into living quarters for the workers before it was handed over to the church.
However, the members felt that was unfair and instead decided to hire a contractor to move the old building to a spot next to where the school was being constructed at a cost of $100,000.
He said after they acquired the building they realized that it could be used for community purposes.
“We are fortunate that UNICEF and Saint Francis took an interest in the project and decided to come on board to help. We have a lot more work to do on the building and we are seeking the support of the community and businesspersons,” Lewis said.
Another member of the church, Marrian Tinney told this newspaper that the school should be ready in time for the new school term in January 2009. She said the “fees would be reasonable and I am encouraging parents to bring their children.”
Tinney also said that the school would accommodate children of working parents from 2 pm and the staff would also be assisting with homework. She too made an appeal for the restoration of the building and said they would need paint and other construction materials.
Persons desirous of making donations can contact her on 333-3640 as well as other members, Avia Lindie on 333-5284 and Ester Stephens on 333-3332.
