Back-to-school boost for Angoy’s Avenue children

Scores of children from Angoy’s Avenue, New Amsterdam, have received backpacks and other school supplies as part of an annual giving-back initiative to help them prepare for the new school year. The initiative was undertaken by Samantha Reid through SAWA Investment Inc, continuing an effort which has over the years provided support to children in the community. Reid, who is also President of the Berbice Chamber of Commerce and Development Association (BCCDA), said the distribution forms part of her yearly giving-back effort for the children of Angoy’s Avenue. During the exercise, backpacks were distributed to the children, while some also received other school supplies to assist them when they return to the classroom. The focus on Angoy’s Avenue is significant given the large number of children residing in the community.

Previously published data from New Amsterdam’s five primary schools indicated that Angoy’s Avenue accounted for more than half of the children in the town. Located on the fringe of New Amsterdam, the community has over the years also faced many social challenges, including unemployment, teenage pregnancy and school dropouts. Reid and SAWA Investment Inc have previously undertaken similar giving-back activities for children, including annual Easter initiatives during which youngsters received kites and other items. Previous activities have also extended to children from neighbouring Smithfield, which has faced some of the same social challenges.

Reid had previously said that it was a pleasure to be able to bring joy to children in those communities.