Latest update November 21st, 2024 1:00 AM
APA hands over donations to victims of Mahdia female dormitory fire
Kaieteur News – The Amerindian Peoples Association (APA), between July 14 and 19, 2023, visited the Region Eight communities of Micobie, El Paso, Campbelltown and Chenapou to distribute donated items collected during the recent donation drive to support those affected by the Mahdia Secondary School Female Dormitory fire.
Some of the items handed over by the APA to the victims of the Mahdia Secondary School’s female dormitory fire.
Stationery, feminine hygiene products, toiletries, clothing and other school supplies were among some of the supplies distributed to the girls that survived the May 21, 2023 fire that resulted in the deaths of 19 other girls and one boy.
On May 23, the APA commenced its donation drive in an effort to raise material donations as well as pledges to address some of the needs of the survivors and the families of those who lost their lives as well as the communities as a whole. APA received donations from businesses, private citizens, religious institutions and partners and has been assisting families since the fire.
Additionally, stationery were handed over to the Mahdia Secondary School and the survivors of Karisparu Village.
According to the APA, last week’s distribution exercise represents the first large-scale donation to the families. Before this exercise, the Association had also provided care packages and minimal financial assistance to some families while they were in Georgetown immediately after the fire.
The APA donation team was led by Executive Director Ms. Jean La Rose and included Governance and Rights Coordinator Ms. Laura George, GIS Specialist/Forest Policy Officer Mr. Michael Mc Garrell; Policy and Administrative Support Officer Ms. Don Stoll; Communications and Visibility Officer Mr. Lakhram Bhagirat and Mental Health Therapist Ms. Arianne Chand.
Ms. Chand, a US trained Mental Health Therapist who provided voluntary support, met with survivors of the tragedy as well as parents in an effort to assess the level of mental health support needed in the long term.
Ms. La Rose and Ms. George met with members of the communities of Micobie and Campbelltown that requested a meeting to relay concerns with the handling of the tragedy. Additionally, Ms. Stoll and Mr. Bhagirat met with Chenapou parents and residents where similar concerns were raised.
The APA said that it has requested an urgent meeting with Minister of Education, Ms. Priya Manickchand and Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony to discuss the issues raised with the team. The Association is awaiting a response from the Ministers.
“The APA is committed to working collaboratively with the authorities to address the concerns of the families and communities that has suffered as a result of this tragedy,” the statement said.
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