By Vanessa Narine
GRACE Kennedy Remittance Services (GKRS) Guyana Ltd. yesterday made a monetary contribution in support of the Summer Literacy Programme it is funding in collaboration with its sub-agents, C&F Supermarket, Wireless Connections and Downtown Western Union.

The cheque was handed over to Programme Manager, Ms. Walterine McLeod at the GKRS Water Street, Georgetown office, ahead of the project start on July 14, to create opportunities for Guyanese boys under the theme ‘Learn to Read, Read to Learn’.

It will be for the duration of six weeks at a cost $7,000 per participant and McLeod said the money received will enable 25 students to participate.

Of that number, 13 range in age from eight to 13-years and are associated with Georgetown Football Club (GFC).

Coach of the GFC under-13 team, Mr. Challus McKinnon said the members, primarily from poverty stricken areas, will benefit a great deal.

He said, in addition to football, they would be coached about morale and confidence.

McKinnon said the boys are average students who have the potential to do better and the reading aspect will enable them to improve themselves.

He said the club facilitates free entry and aims to help Guyanese young men develop their talents while keeping them away from negative influences.

The scheme, that was initiated six years ago by McLeod, a senior mistress at Richard Ishmael Secondary School, will necessitate attendance from Monday to Friday, between 09:00 h and 12:00 h in Lodge, another part of Georgetown, where sessions will also be held.

It was conceputalised because today’s youths are at increased risk of exposure to elements that will not enhance their lives, the organisers said.

The children enrolled for the purpose were yesterday enthusiastic about the 2008 commencement.

One of them, Robert Munroe, 12, who has been with GFC for two years, attested that it is not only about the game but education, too.

Another, Clifford Melvin, 14, acknowledged the benefit to be derived in making life successful.

Phonics and reading sessions will be followed by an assessment at the end of the six weeks.

GKRS Marketing Manager, Mrs. Jennifer Cipriani-Nelson said, from the time it was put forward, the proposition appealed to the company.

Others witnessing the presentation were Ms. Elizabeth Persaud, of Wireless Connections and Ms. Marcell Fraser of Downtown Western Union.