New training facility launched in Region Five by Food for the Poor

Jan 22, 2023 News

By: Davina Bagot

Kaieteur News – Food for the Poor (FFTP) Guyana, on Wednesday opened the doors of a new Resource Centre in Region Five (Mahaica- Berbice) which will offer free training in a number of different areas, to interested residents.

The new Resource Centre launched Woodley Park by Food for the Poor Guyana

Students already taking advantage of services at the Centre

(from right) FFTP CEO, Kent Vincent, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Labour, Bishram Kuppen ( standing), Regional Chairman, Vickchand Ramphal, and Chairman of FFTP Guyana board, Mr. Paul Chan-a-Sue

Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the organisation, Jonelle DeViera, said the new facility is geared at promoting development by providing easy access to learning resources and life skills training programmes. DeViera added that the Resource Centre will promote education and help improve the employability and income generation of the people in the community.

The Centre is located at Lot 136 A, Woodley Park West Coast Berbice. Construction of the facility commenced in March 2022 and was later completed in November 2022.

It will be instrumental in accommodating workshops or sensitization programmes on social, education, health and other issues. Skills training programs such as garment construction, information technology, cookery and others will be offered.

The space will also be used to convene community meetings and recreational gatherings, as well as afternoon lessons and remedial classes.

DeViera in an interview with ‘The Waterfalls’ said this week, “Food For the Poor Guyana Inc constructs resource centre buildings as part of our community development initiative. Resource centres provide opportunities for capacity building and empowerment for residents promoting social and economic development.”

As such, she explained that the decision to construct the centre for the Bath/Woodley Park locale came after it was brought to the agency’s attention that there is an urgent need for support of youth in the community, especially in the areas of life and skills training. There was also no such facility available in the area to accommodate same.

The Centre will be available to the 12,000 residents in the Bath/Woodley locale along with other residents from the neighbouring communities.

Now that the building has been officially handed over to the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), representatives will be responsible for the operation of the building. This means, persons who are interested in the opportunities can make contact with the NDC office.

Attending the humble opening ceremony were Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the FFTP, Kent Vincent, Chairman of FFTP Board, Paul Chan-a- Sue, Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Labour, Bishram Kuppen, Regional Chairman for Region Five, Vickchand Ramphal and Chair for Woodley Park NDC, Vilchan Sanmogan.

Food For the Poor (Guyana) Inc. has constructed over 10 resource centre buildings in Guyana thus far, including the Mark Archibald Resource Center at Seafield, West Coast Berbice which caters for persons who are differently abled. Such facilities were also made available in Baramita village, Region 1 and Coomacka, Region 10.

DeViera said FFTP is willing to assist other communities across the country with Resource Centres. “Once the need is there, we are willing to partner with the community and any other agencies to construct more facilities across the country,” she explained.

On June 3 last year, Food for the Poor Guyana celebrated 31 years of service. With about 62 persons employed at Food for the Poor (FFTP), and scores of volunteers, Guyanese have been blessed through outreaches and the various distribution drives organised to hand out food and personal care items and even clothing. The body has also been instrumental in offering monthly support to children’s homes, under its ‘Angel of Hope’ programme.

Established since June 3, 1991 in Guyana, the non-governmental organisation (NGO) has managed to branch out to more regions in the country, with the support of its generous local and overseas donors.

In its vision statement, the organisation states, “Food For The Poor is God’s instrument to help the materially poor and to renew the poor in spirit.”

Food for the Poor holds the title of the largest charitable organisation in Guyana, providing more assistance to disadvantaged families than any other NGO or organisation in the country.

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DeViera, FFTP, Guyana, Mahaica- Berbice, students

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