East Bank kids benefit from ICO back-to-school event

Aug 25, 2015 News

ICO volunteers at the recent back-to-school event

Scores of children from communities along the East Bank Demerara corridor have benefited from a grand back-to-school event hosted by International Children’s Outreach (ICO) Incorporated.
ICO is a charitable group founded by US-based Guyanese, Onica Charles.
The group’s aim is to equip underprivileged children with necessary tools for them to lead happy, healthy lives, and it is especially passionate about promoting education.
At the event held on Saturday, August 15 at the Diamond Market Tarmac, ICO volunteers and officials donated hundreds of book bags with school supplies to hundreds of children from the nearby communities. And in excess of 200 boys left the event, flaunting their ICO-sponsored haircuts.
The tarmac was also decorated with trampolines and bouncy houses, to promote other fun activities. Additionally, those in attendance were provided with lots of water, juices and snacks.
“It was a great day; ICO’s plans are much bigger than a few hours of fun!” Secretary Rehana Ahamad exclaimed.
She noted that while stressing that ICO ambitiously works towards the realization of bigger projects, in which the support from private citizens and Corporate Guyana is vital.“We are rapidly moving ahead with the construction of our children’s aid centre in Craig on the East Bank of Demerara.
The facility will be equipped with a modernized computer lab, a well-stocked library and a study room, all overseen by fully qualified tutors.” Ahamad said that after years of doing extensive charity work here, the volunteer group officially acquired its Non – Governmental Organization, (NGO) status following consideration and approval from the Ministry of Social Protection.
ICO-Guyana is now led by a Board of Directors comprising seven persons –  Onica Charles, President; Vice President, Romario Mohamed, Secretary, Rehana Ahamad;  Julianna Peters, Maxine Perry, Sonia McLean and Adrienne Harmon.