Latest update November 21st, 2024 1:00 AM
Rotary Club of Georgetown Central honours Doris Anetha Shelto
Sophia resident and community service advocate, Doris Anetha Shelto, was yesterday honoured by members and supporters of the Rotary Club of Georgetown Central (RCGC) for her dedicated service towards the happiness and development of youths in her neighborhood.
A resident of ‘B’ field Sophia for more than ten years, Ms. Shelto has dedicated most of life towards the development of the women and children in communities across Guyana.
She is the President/Founder of the Mothers Action Groups on Social Issues and Sophia Sparkle Youth Group. She also became a staunch road safety activist after her son, Elron Peter Mc Clennon, and four other passengers who perished on July 18, 2011 when a speeding minibus overturned on Mandela Avenue.
Her community efforts were highlighted during a RCGC Independence appreciation brunch hosted at the Georgetown Club, Camp Street Georgetown.
Doris Anetha Shelto and RCGC President, Judy Semple Joseph the appreciation event yesterday14
“I have been doing this for over 22 years. I’m used to doing community work; it’s what I live for…. As a teenager, I visited communities deep in the jungle. I even went to a place called Tassawini in Region One, taking stuff to the residents,” Mrs. Shelto remarked as she accepted the token of appreciation yesterday.
Shelto said that she initially started to work with groups of women in Sophia, most of whom are single parents.
But she started to place more emphasis on the youth in the community since children are often left at home alone, as their parents seek employment.
“I believe it’s my calling. You don’t know what some of these children have to go through; in today’s society there are so many things that can negatively affect them. Most of the time, these children just need someone to talk with them and guide them on the right path, show them how to sew on a button and or something because their parents are not around most of the time to teach them how.”
Shelto says that almost every afternoon, a large group of children would gather at her residence.
“I have a two storey house and people always ask why I don’t rent out the downstairs, who don’t want money nowadays but I can’t because I have to cater for the children. At least ninety children come to the classes. I teach them the power of prayer, the youngest child can pray… I have literacy lessons, and we discuss whatever issues that may be bothering them at school or home,” Shelto added.
“I don’t’ work alone, I get help sometimes from my neighbour and relatives, who support the work. When they send stuff I share it among the children. While the Lions Club gave a helping hand, for which we are very appreciative, it would be nice if other persons can assist… but this is God’s work, most of it is His doing.”
“My message is simple. Parents, I know you have to work hard to provide for your children, but spend more time with their children, there’s so much that we can sometimes discover when we just talk to our children…Teach them about God, instill the value of hard work a good education, good manners and how to respect their elders and peers… Children do not learn morals by what we say they pay attention to what we do …teach your children the fear of God and I believe the rest will fall in place.”
The Rotary Club of Georgetown Central has contributed to the growth and development of the country by providing assistance to projects ranging from health care and literacy programmes to the enhancement of public places.
During the event, President of the RCG C, Ms. Judy Semple Joseph, noted that the organisation is also committed to providing social services to communities throughout Guyana.
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