Canadian Guyanese professor donates in excess of $20M in school and medical supplies

Jun 16, 2024 News

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A heart for philanthropy…

Kaieteur News – Canadian-Guyanese, Dr. Rita Persaud has given back in excess of $20 million in school and medical supplies to her homeland. The Toronto-based University Professor who is described as having a heart for philanthropy has been contributing significantly to Guyana for a number of years.

With the support of generous Canadian donors like Wilfrid Laurier University (WLU), George Brown College (GBC), and Greentec’s President Tony Perrotta., Dr. Persaud had previously donated in excess of CDN$18M worth of school supplies and musical instruments.  In addition to soliciting the contributions, Dr. Persaud also donates significantly to the cause out of her own pocket.

This year, the overseas-based humanitarian is at again. This time, her contribution was received in three shipments.  It includes 50 laptops, and over one thousand textbooks to Guyana schools. Dr. Persaud also donated six dental chairs to the Ministry of Health, and two microscopes and a laptop to Suddie Hospital, Essequibo. Speaking about this year’s donation, Dr. Persaud told The Waterfalls that the computers and books are essential tools for learning.

“They provide access to a wealth of information and educational resources that can help students with their studies. In today’s world of digital literacy, being proficient in using computers and technology is crucial. Donating computers helps students develop these necessary skills, which are often required for higher education and the job market. I am a firm believer in equal opportunities and by providing these resources, I am hopeful to level the playing field so that students from all backgrounds have the same opportunities to succeed academically,” she said.

As a lifelong learner herself, Dr. Persaud noted that books can inspire a love for reading and learning.

She added that, “They can open up new worlds for students, fostering imagination and critical thinking skills.  I wish to be a part of supporting the future goals of students.  Education is a stepping stone to better career prospects. By aiding education, I believe are investing in the students’ futures and the betterment of society… I want to think that my acts of giving are not just about the physical items but are also symbolic of hope, support, and belief in the potential of young minds.”

She continued that the donations and such can help bridge this gap, ensuring that underprivileged students aren’t left behind.

As it relates to the medical supplies, Dr. Persaud said while conducting research in Guyana in February 2022, she visited several hospitals in Berbice but was privileged to tour the medical lab facilities at Suddie Hospital, Essequibo.

“I am glad that I can be a part of improving healthcare quality.  I understand my donations can significantly enhance the quality of healthcare services provided to patients by enabling more accurate diagnoses and better treatment options.  With more resource availability underprivileged hospitals often lack the necessary equipment due to financial constraints.

Donations like mine can help fill this gap, ensuring that these hospitals are better equipped to serve their communities.”

She explained that medical equipment like microscopes and computers are vital for the important work that hospital labs do and can lead to more efficient hospital management and patient care.

“I am glad to be able to support community health by improving the infrastructure of hospitals, which contributes to the overall health and wellbeing of the community. I am glad to also be a part of promoting equity in healthcare, which can reduce disparities in healthcare access and outcomes between different populations, promoting equity and fairness.”

“I can see my donations as part of a global health improvement and my contributions as part of a larger effort to improve health standards globally, especially in regions where resources are scarce. I am glad to be a part of acts of generosity which are crucial in supporting hospitals that serve underprivileged communities, ultimately leading to better health outcomes and a stronger healthcare system,” she stated.

Previously, in 2020, Dr. Persaud donated $18M in musical and science equipment to five secondary schools and the University of Guyana. This donation included drum sets, violins, saxophones, microscopes, and telescopes.

In 2018, she sent over 100 used computers, hundreds of textbooks, and two projectors to schools in Guyana. These contributions have significantly improved the resources available to students, facilitating hands-on learning and fostering a greater interest in the arts and sciences.

While she was in Guyana in 2022, she also gave away six laptops to students from these six schools (Anna Regina Multilateral Secondary, Cottonfield Secondary , Aurora Secondary, Abrams Zuil Secondary, Berbice High School  and JC Chandisingh), and left a PA system, one projector and three projector screens for each of the schools.

The Professor is employed at Wilfrid Laurier University (WLU), Waterloo, and George Brown College (GBC), Toronto where she teaches human resources and business. Born in Guyana, South America, Dr. Persaud migrated in the 1980’s to Canada, lived most of her life in Canada and has been continuing her education ever since.

Dr. Persaud now has under her belt three bachelor’s degrees in administration, economics, and human resources from York University, Toronto, Canada and an MBA and Ph.D. from Bellevue University, Nebraska, USA. In addition to her philanthropic effort, Dr. Persaud is conducting extensive research on suicide in Guyana. She said that her research was completed in 2023 which she says shows great promise and anticipates publishing the results soon.

 

 

 

 

 

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• Canadian-Guyanese, Dr. Persaud, Dr. Rita Persaud, Essequibo, George Brown College, Suddie Hospital, The Waterfalls

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