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Christmas cheer puts smiles on faces of Village children

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Thanks to the collaboration of the Lady Ira Life Skill Foundation (LILSF) and the Positive Foundation Agricola, a fulfilled Christmas party was held in Agricola village, Guyana, on December 19, after the Coronavirus pandemic that sadly closed all events last year.

The afternoon of festive fun put smiles on the faces of scores of children, who enjoyed games, music, food, and gifts from Santa. The magic of the festive season, resonated with the little ones, recommended by charity partners, and St. Ann’s Primary School, where the event was held.

Founder of (LILSF), Lady Ira Lewis, of East Orange, NJ, launched the empowerment center earlier this year, with an aim to help the helpless, in the village of 2000 residents. The humanitarian said she is passionate about bringing all available resources to the community.

An eager child, and his godparent, Marsha Vyphuis-Hinds, being treated to a present from Lady Ira Lewis, of New Jersey, founder of Lady Ira Life Skill Foundation.Photo by Tangerine Clarke

She is hopeful that the government of Guyana will partner with her foundation to help facilitate programs that would educate the youth, and develop the community in the process.

She wants to make sure the children leave the center with life skills and go on to lead successful, productive lives.

In addition to a spelling bee competition, and a greeting card workshop, the youths are encouraged to bring their parents to the center, said Lewis, who was happy to partner with other organizations.

Chairwoman of the Positive Foundation Agricola, Stacey Cuffy, engages some 80 youths in sports and recreation, education and training, as well as organic farming.

On December 3, a graduation ceremony was held for 24 children who participated in a 3-day Community ICT Training, offered through the Office of the Prime Minister Industry and Innovations Department and the National Data Management Authority.

Timothy Blair, chairman of the constituent 15 management committee, said the program is about growing families, and called on parents to guide their children. He noted that schools are making sure, initiatives are geared towards job opportunity, with more skill-based training becoming available in the new year.