By Adit Kumar
A successful fund raising dinner/entertainment event was held on December 10, 2016 to support the Humanitarian Mission Village Project in Babu John, Port Mourant, Berbice, Guyana. Friends and family of Bejai Jairam, in conjunction with the Canadian Chapter of the Humanitarian Mission of New Jersey Arya Samaj supported the event at the Kalypso Hut Family Restaurant, netting $3,600. The well attended evening saw a wide cross section of the community in attendance who were also updated on the activities of the mission. The organizers extend sincere gratitude to the attendees and donors who supported the event, in particular Paul Rampersaud, owner of the restaurant.
The Humanitarian Mission has undertaken a two tier program to assist the less fortunate in Guyana. One is the Skills Development Centre which is up and running while the other includes a Benevolent Home which is to be constructed. The Canadian Chapter has adopted the second project and is raising funds to make it a reality. So far, over $42,000 of the $80,000 estimated cost has been raised and is held in a special account for the project. Construction of the Benevolent Home will not commence until sufficient funds are raised to see it to completion. The Home will provide assistance to displaced seniors, battered women and children.
Co-emcee, Bejai Jairam told the audience that his mom was cremated on the same day that the sod was turned at the site of the Humanitarian Village to commence the project. He said he has followed the project since then and is impressed with the work of the Mission and is committed to assist in any way possible in his mom's memory. He has since joined the Canadian Chapter as a committee member. An Evening of Hope is the third fund raiser that he has spearheaded to fund raise for this project.
Recently Pt Dave Ramaoutar, Chair and Mrs Sattie Sawh, committee member, visited Guyana and had a first-hand look at the activities of the Skills Development Centre. Mrs Sawh in giving an update said "currently, sewing and cooking/cake decorating/catering classes are being conducted for girls and women and radio and electronics for youths. Additionally, a program called 'Second Chance' is also being conducted in collaboration with the Guyana Police Force." This program, Mrs Sawh said, "is focused on giving school dropouts, teenage mothers and students who did not do well in their CXC exams a second chance to pursue academic studies. Communities such as Black Bush Polder, Angoy’s Avenue, Port Mourant and other depressed areas are targeted. Special emphasis is placed on Mathematics, English Language, Reading and Writing, all core subjects required for any jobs."
Mrs Sawh said that the project helped to pay the examination fees for a number of students who could not afford to do so, giving them the opportunity to write their CXC exams. Under the support scheme the Government of Guyana pays part of the CXC fees while the student is required to pay the difference and this is where the Humanitarian Mission chips in.
Mrs Sawh reported that some of these students with this assistance were able to write 10 and even 11 subjects at the CXC examination. For the upcoming year 8 students will be assisted through the Centre. "Don’t you get a warm feeling of fulfillment that you are part of such a wonderful organization?" she queried.
Quite a few of the attendees spontaneously donated to this special project to assist deserving students to write the CXC examinations, while others have committed to do so.
The Center also conducts a Psychology clinic for students who suffer from mental illness but are afraid to reveal it due to stigmatization. Teachers identify these students and encourage them to attend the clinic conducted by Dr. Mangru and Dr. Beckles. Additionally, the Bramha Kumari World Spiritual University (BKWSU) has also commenced a pilot program for secondary school students to address issues like teenage pregnancy, suicide, drugs and substance abuse. The Humanitarian Mission is collaborating with BKWSU on this project.
While the Skills Development Centre has been bubbling with activities in 2016, the Centre also plans to implement several new programs in 2017. Among these are skills targeting the upcoming Oil and Gas sector, such as plumbing, operation of heavy duty equipment; welding and fabrication; electrical installation; and IT.
Pt Suresh Sugrim, who is spearheading the activities in Guyana has been lobbying agencies to support these projects. Through his activism he has gained the support of the Government of Guyana; relevant Government Ministries; Regional bodies; religious groups; the Diplomatic Corp; international bodies and other interest groups.
After the update co-emcees, Bejei Jairam and Roger Sawh, introduced the members of the Canadian Chapter to the audience – Pt Dave Ramoutar, Chair; Meera Basant, Co-Chair; Pt Joe Jaglall, PRO; Jai Singh, Treasurer; Sattie Ramjuss, Secretary; and committee members Sattie Sawh; Roger Sawh; Bejai Jairam; Prakash Sidnauth and Adit Kumar. Recognition plaques were also presented to several persons for their strong support of community activities over the years.
Entertainment for the evening's program was presented by a number of talented artistes including Vishnu Ramnarine, Robin Singh, Devin Ramoutar, Stephen Pitamber, Angie Pitamber, Vijay Prashad, Prakash Sidnauth and members of the Gems of Toronto Orchestra.
For further information or to donate please contact PRO Joe Jaglall at 416-464-3338, Bejai Jairam at 416-986-2495, or Jai Singh at 416-282-8306. Tax deductible receipts will be issued for all donations.