As Christmas Day looms even nearer, cheer has been spread to orphaned and less fortunate children. The Chinese Embassy in collaboration with the Child Care and Protection Agency yesterday hosted a children’s Christmas lunch at the Castellani Pool.
Some 700 children from more than 20 orphanages and children’s homes from across the country attended the lunch and each received a present of their own. Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Priya Manickchand, thanked the Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Zhang Jungao, for his Embassy’s collaboration and assistance at yesterday’s event.
The Minister, the Ambassador and his wife, as well as Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, were entertained by some of the children, who performed dances that they had previously performed at the recently held Children’s Concert at the National Cultural Centre.
The Minister told media operatives that the children’s gifts were purchased through collective funds between the Chinese Embassy and the Agency. She then added that she hoped the Christmas lunch could be made an annual event for the children as part of the Government’s policy on child care and protection.
Ambassador Zhang said that yesterday’s event was the biggest he has participated in with children, and added that the lunch reminded him of his childhood days back home in China around the Chinese New Year’s occasion.
He also commended the Government of Guyana on their work with children and their childcare and protection policy; Manickchand then mentioned that the lunch was an extension of the Government’s policy.
According to the Human Services Minister, the lunch allowed the children and care givers from the homes and orphanages from across Guyana an opportunity to interact with each other.
Source: https://www.kaieteurnewsonline.com/2009/12/20/more-christmas-cheer-for-orphans/