tidings
Laurel V Williams
Through its latest initiative, organizing the Education is the Key to Success books, members of the NGO Aspiring Minds Foundation hope to have a positive impact on the lives of students from low-income families and are asking the public for support.
Last Monday and Tuesday (August 15 and 16), the NGO distributed school supplies in Gransaul Festival Center Street in San Fernando.
Speaking on behalf of the organization, director Betty Ann Byng told Newsday that although the NGO received over 500 requests from school principals, it could only help about 100 of them.
Principals explained to the NGO that one of the main factors contributing to students’ poor academic performance was their lack of access to resources such as textbooks and school supplies.
Byng added, “Many primary and secondary schools asked for help. We have been doing book drives since 2017. In 2020, we became a registered NGO. Our book drive last year helped over 303 students. We hope to reach up to this figure this year”.
In addition to organizing books, the organization has also organized other events to engage students.
They held a virtual carnival showcase where students showcased their talents in every aspect of culture.
Byng said, “It was not a competition but an exhibition at the carnival to keep them active. We also have cultural-based programs to promote the culture of Trinidad and Tobago. We encourage the youth to develop their talents related to our culture.”
She said the NGO was struggling to help everyone who asked for help and the pandemic made the situation worse.
Byng said: “Our main challenge is the lack of finances. Our sponsors help us as much as possible, but we are also receiving requests from other organizations. We still need a lot of help.
“We are grateful for all the support received from Maritime Financial, National Flour Mills, Angostura, Colfire, Bumpy’s BarBeQue, Eastern Credit Union, Powergen, TECU Credit Union and PSCU Credit Union.”
Aspiring Minds wants to help as many students as possible, but it can’t do it alone.
“We cannot do this alone and we humbly ask for your support through donations to purchase textbooks and stationery,” Byng appealed to the public.
People can donate through the foundation’s Republic Bank checking account at 080800573201.
