Diplomatic Corps hands over building to New Amsterdam Special Needs School

Saturday, 25 February 2012 Guyana Chronicle online | by Jeune VanKeric     
SURINAMESE Ambassador to Guyana, Dr Manorma Soeknandan, handed over a $3M Annexe to the staff and pupils of the New Amsterdam Special Needs School, signalling an era of improved accommodation for the differently-abled group.
At a simple mid-day ceremony, Dr. Soeknandan made the presentation on behalf of the Diplomatic Corps, and said that building of the 1,200-square-foot extension began on February 7, 2011 and, despite a few challenges, the building can now house additional classrooms, which when converted can be used for fund- raising activities.

Dr. Soeknandan issued a call for corporate citizens to make additional donations of other essential items, including furniture, in order to enhance learning for the   students. She urged parents to be more actively involved in the education of their children while assisting in the maintenance of the building and compound.

Expressing gratitude for the gesture, Head Teacher Ms. Zoya Crandon said that, with the additional new wing, the current fifty-odd applicants awaiting admission can now be enrolled, as there is adequate space. She, however, noted that the school is failing in its mandate to care for the growing needs of the physically challenged in the township.

“As the awareness heightens, so does the number of children who are being sent to the Special Needs School…” Recounting the brief history of the school, Ms. Crandon said the learning institution was previously housed at the Lion’s Club Den, before the land was donated by the New Building Society in 1986. The building was erected the following year.
Meanwhile, Region Six Vice Chairman, Boopaul Jagroo, in expressing gratitude on behalf of the regional administration, said it was heartening to have the diplomatic community in partnership with the Ministry of Education.
Also in attendance were Brazil’s Ambassador to Guyana, Luiz Gilberto Andrade, and Venezuela’s Ambassador to Guyana, Dario Morandy.