SVN helps children of former Wales sugar workers

Living up to its commitment of providing financial assistance to the children of former sugar workers, the Saraswati Vidya Niketan (SVN) reached out to those in the Wales, West Bank Demerara last weekend.

Principal of the school, Swami Aksharananda said 24 children received $10,000 each, along with food hampers, compliments of N&S Mattai & Company.

The money was given through a fund that the SVN, a Hindu school on the West Coast of Demerara, launched recently so that the children can continue their education.

The aim of the fund is for students to be supported for “at least one academic year starting with the current school term.”

The principal was proud that the students have raised more than $560,000 and have so far assisted 123 students, including 99 from Corentyne, Berbice who have also received $10,000 each.

According to him, Pandit Nando of the Patentia Temple successfully identified the students through “the wider community and the churches and masjid.”

He promised to return to the “these communities sometime next month to offer the same help.”

Swami Aksharananda was also happy that the SVN has “been able to attract a small contribution outside of our school community” while they also have commitment from others.

The workers are still awaiting their severance benefits that the government has promised. But in the meantime, the principal said the students should not suffer as a result and would continue with the assistance later this month.