RCGC promotes inclusivity among children through its annual literacy project

Source: Guyana Chronicle

Speaking briefly, President of the RCGC, Monique Williams, told the gathering that the Rotaract Club is proud to continue this annual tradition.

The project caters specifically to children living with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), in keeping with Rotary International’s goal of promoting inclusion. RCGC collaborated with three key organisations for this project: Sameir! Uniquely Me, the David Rose Autism Unit, and The Gifted Hands Learning Centre. China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) Guyana Limited sponsored the project this year.

It caters to a preliminary number of 85 children between ages two to 17 and was executed in the form of a workshop. The children were able to participate in interactive sessions planned by the RCGC, including games, story time and a colouring session.

Director of RCGC, Terriesa Smith, underscored the importance of reading and writing. She said: “Literacy is not only a fundamental pillar of education, but it is also a gateway to personal development and growth. With the ability to read and write, we are able to access knowledge and information, thus broadening our horizons and increasing the opportunities available to us.”

She highlighted that last year, RCGC collaborated with migrant and Venezuelan children, and in previous years they catered to children living with hearing and visual disabilities.

This time, Smith pointed out that they wanted to do something different, and decided to cater to a group that is often shunned and overlooked.

“Autism affects millions of children worldwide, presenting unique challenges and opportunities for growth. We at RCGC recognise this, and we want to show that despite their neuro-divergent traits, autistic children have just as much to offer the world as their neuro-typical counterparts. Through this initiative, we hope to foster understanding, acceptance and awareness on autism within our communities. We want to ensure that children with ASD are given the opportunity to reach their full potential,” she added.

It was mentioned that through this initiative, RCGC aims to make reading an accessible and enjoyable experience for every child, regardless of their challenges.

Meanwhile, analyst at CNOOC, Tanza McAlmont, represented the company at the celebration on Sunday. In her remarks, Tanza said that over the past seven years CNOOC has been operating in Guyana, the company has sponsored a number of projects in the field of education.

These, she noted, ranged from financing scholarships for local and overseas studies, to facilitating educational programmes, refurbishing schools, donating supplies and equipment, and organising sports events.

She related that CNOOC is pleased to sponsor this project to promote multilingual education and literacy for mutual understanding and peace.

Tanza said: “We trust that this project would help to foster a love for reading and writing, for developing critical literacy skills, and for promoting peace-building among students.”

The Rotaract Club of Georgetown Central is a non-profit, non-governmental organisation for youths between the ages of 18-35 years, with a mandate to provide services to the community through volunteering initiatives. RCGC aims to foster leadership, responsible citizenship, high ethical standards in business, and ultimately a better lifestyle for youths in Guyana.