Every Sunday afternoon in a small community along the Essequibo Coast, a group of women gather in the home of Angela Singh, to discuss various ways to decrease the ever-rising social issues that plague the community of Vilvoorden.
Their ages range from the early teens to the late fifties. As it happens, most of these women work for a living, while some of them are married with families and others are not.
The ‘Vilvoorden Women’s Creative Group’, as it is called, was formed on January 15, 2019 by Singh—the group’s Chair—and other women in the community, after they began noticing the rapid increase of social issues such as domestic violence, teenage pregnancy and drug usage in the community. The group was formed as a combined effort to rid Vilvoorden of those issues.
Every Sunday, from 1 pm to 4 pm, these women gather to express ideas on how they can help their community, while doing simple things such as sewing and craft making. Conversations are usually animated, often emotional.
There are currently 30 registered persons in the group and 50 unregistered persons who involve themselves in group activities. According to Singh, many teenagers have indicated their interest in joining the group.
After the group was formed, the women tasked themselves with making a list of activities that they would execute throughout the year. Some of the activities include baking, sewing, making household items such as candles, pillows, bed sheets and stuffed toys. During these activities, persons who do possess the skillset required to undertake such tasks are taught from scratch to do them.
In addition, the group holds counselling sessions with locals who have been affected by social issues- a successful venture thus far.
The group also offers courses in Mathematics, especially for school dropouts, and during the month of August, they plan to hold computer and literary programmes for interested persons in the community.
However, although the activities are positively influencing residents of Vilvoorden, most of the women initiating the projects come from poor families and are facing financial challenges. They have recently approached companies for financial assistance and have received positive feedback from companies such as NT Computeac, the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association and organisations such as Food for the Poor.
During an interview with Stabroek News, Singh related how challenging it has been for the group. She said that they depend on the meagre cash they earn from selling pastries and household items that they make. “Most of the people here are poor so the money is very little,” she added.
Regardless, Singh and her band of women are determined to continue on their venture. “We would appreciate it if companies can come forward to help these kids and adults,” Singh said, before adding how sad it was for the group to see residents, especially youths, succumb to alcohol and drug use, which is usually the kick starter for other social issues.
“It is very challenging but it is a joy to serve the community,” Singh ended.
