The recent unveiling of the very first public library in the small Agricola Village in Guyana will bring joyfulness and entertainment, while encouraging literacy, thanks to yet another educational initiative by the New Jersey-based Guyana America Heritage Foundation (GAHF).
President of GAHF, Lady Ira Lewis, who also founded the Lady Ira Family Empowerment (LIFE) that distributes school supplies, clothing, and groceries, hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony during a give-back celebration in honor of her Jan. 12 birthday. The afternoon of entertainment, featuring a bouncy playhouse, music, food, and drinks, delighted the boys and girls, who were dressed to the nines.
The library is stacked with more than 300 volumes in all genres. It will inspire literacy and is part of the organization’s wealth of afterschool programming. The goal is to give youngsters other choices and steer them away from social media and cell phones, which often distract them from reading and writing.
Additionally, the reading space will create a joyful experience. It will bring the children together for meaningful interactions. They will engage with each other in a friendly and safe environment, said Lewis.
“I feel good sharing my birthday with the children so they can enjoy food and fancy things. My friend Donna Marshall, who’s joining me, donated gift bags,” said Lewis. She noted the importance of literacy and has dedicated her life to inspiring and motivating learning through various programs.
The humanitarian is completing a community center in the formerly underserved Agricola. She is passionate about promoting reading in the village. “I always felt strongly about building a library because if children can’t read, they wouldn’t be able to do anything in life. Yes, they have computers, but they must read as well,” insisted Lewis.
“The library is very important. They could write book reports, tell stories, or even become playwrights. I would like to thank the various organizations, including John F. Kennedy School NJ, for the donation of books I received.”
“It is a great honor to receive these donations,” she said. She thanked Senator Britnee Timberlake of New Jersey’s 34th District for her continued support and for providing resources to enhance communities’ lives.
“She’s amazing and has been partnering to bring educational programs and resources to GAHF, in New Jersey and Guyana.”
“She has been buying books and helping me acquire donations of books for the kids to improve their reading skills. It’s not that I don’t like the computer, but improving reading skills is very important to developing a child’s mindset, and all communities must develop reading programs,” said Lewis, who hosts a yearly spelling bee competition in Agricola village.
Also, a promoter of Guyana and Caribbean festivals, including a Flag-raising ceremony and Family Fun Day, Lewis will be hosting a fundraising Mashramani Ball on Saturday, Feb. 28, to help complete the foundation’s community center and enhance educational programs in the village.
To learn more, make a financial donation, or make a gift of books to the library, call 973-951-9898 (phone/WhatsApp).
