Children of prisoners gifted school supplies

Anticipation for a new school year can mean loads of excitement for many children and families. It can also bring on feelings of fear and anxiety for many parents and guardians who are unable to provide basic school supplies for their young ones, especially for those who are incarcerated.

However, the Guyana Prison Service (GPS) continues to show its compassion and altruism to those incarcerated through the “Back-to-School Drive”, where children of current inmates were equipped with the necessary supplies for the new academic school year.

The two-day exercise concluded on Monday and was done at all prison locations where the recipients benefited from backpacks, lunch bags and daycare bags stocked with all the related items such as stationery, lunch bowls, water bottles, baby wipes, flasks etc.

The Officer-in-Charge Prisoners Welfare and Corrections Marielle Bristol-Grant stated that the Welfare and Corrections Department coordinated the activity as part of the Family Reconciliation Program. The time could not have been more fitting, and the items were carefully thought out to be most beneficial to the recipients. Bristol-Grant emphasised that the inmate presenting the package to their children was most important to have them feel part of the process and to create a positive memory for the children.

Director of Prions, Nicklon Elliot noted that the initiative is aimed at ensuring that the beneficiaries are being provided with the basic amenities to attend school.

“I think it helps their self-esteem, despite their circumstances.”

“We at the GPS recognize the importance of education. We all know that the greatest asset that could be given to a child is education,” Elliot said.

Further, the Prison Director expressed optimism that the initiative will motivate the students to get excited about returning to school and face-to-face teaching. (Guyana Prison Service Press Release)