11 children’s homes to benefit as ‘Adopt-an-Orphanage’ initiative enters phase five

First Lady Mrs. Arya Ali on Thursday launched Phase Five of the ‘Adopt-an-Orphanage’ initiative, expanding support for children’s homes across the country.

The latest phase will benefit 11 orphanages: Hope Children’s Home, Bless the Children’s Home, Save R Kids Children’s Home, St John Bosco Orphanage, A Sanctuary Children’s Home, Prabhu Sharan Orphanage, Shaheeds Boys Orphanage, Joshua’s House Children’s Centre, Ruimveldt Children’s Home, Shaheeds Girls Orphanage and the Red Cross Children’s Convalescence Home.

They will be assisted with expenses, including electricity, telephone, water and other essential utilities.

Delivering the feature address, Mrs. Ali said the initiative’s primary objective is to ease the financial burden on children’s care homes by covering essential operational costs, allowing them to direct more resources toward improving the development and overall wellbeing of the children in their care.

She noted that over the years the initiative has expanded beyond meeting immediate needs. Children have benefited from general health check-ups, eye examinations, free prescriptions, spectacles and counselling services to support their emotional and mental wellbeing.

The programme also seeks to create opportunities for extracurricular and recreational activities.

“We believe every child deserves moments of joy and celebration,” the First Lady said, adding that the initiative has evolved to address not only children’s immediate needs but also their overall wellbeing and development.

Highlighting the programme’s continued expansion, Mrs Ali said its growth reflects the power of collective action.

“As we embark on Phase Five, let us remember that our work is far from complete. Let this next phase renew our resolve to ensure that no child feels forgotten, no child is denied the opportunity because of their circumstance, and no child walks their journey alone,” she urged.

Head of the Child Care and Protection Agency, Levine Gouveia, said the initiative demonstrates a shared commitment to protecting some of the country’s most vulnerable children.

“The programme reflects our shared commitment to protecting and nurturing some of the nation’s most vulnerable children” and serves as a reminder that children’s wellbeing is not the responsibility of one individual but requires a collective effort,” Gouveia said.

She added that adopting an orphanage represents more than financial assistance, describing it as an investment in meaningful partnerships that help children heal, grow and reach their full potential.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Felicia Musa of Bless the Children’s Home thanked the First Lady for her continued support.

“We are thankful for your continuous support and commitment to the wellbeing of the children across Guyana. Your decision gives hope, creates opportunities and reminds our children they are loved, never forgotten,” Musa said.