Food for the Poor (FFTP) Inc. Guyana’s leading non-governmental organization, continued its silver jubilee celebrations with a gala dinner at the Pegasus hotel last Saturday.
FFTP began working in Guyana in 1991, delivering food and other basic items to the poor. It is now the country’s leading organization providing relief to the people of this country.
Present at the event were Minister of Social Protection, Mrs. Volda Lawrence; President/CEO of FFTP Mr. Robin Mahfood and Chairman Paul Chan-A-Sue among others.
During her address to the gathering, Minister Lawrence took the opportunity to highlight some of the outstanding works contributed by the organization.
She said that FFTP has strengthened its fight against poverty and has over the years expanded its services throughout the length and breadth of Guyana.
She said that the organization has not only been providing essential needs such as food and footwear, but has been distributing farm and medical supplies; and also housing projects- building homes for underprivileged families and other self sustainable projects.
According to the Minister, “This leading NGO began its operations at a crucial moment in Guyana’s history. Targeting the poverty alleviation sector; providing and distributing farm and medical supplies, food and clothing, text book etc.”
Minister Lawrence commended FFTP feeding programme “Angels of Hope” which she pointed out has been helping many children in need.
The Government of Guyana, the Minister said, is extremely appreciative of the organization’s move towards sustainability and empowerment.
Minister Lawrence stated that her Ministry will continue to work with FFTP despite the overriding constraints and challenges to make an impact on lessening poverty and to enhance the lives of vulnerable persons.
“I want to say thank you FFTP Guyana Inc for your timeless effort. Thank you for your vision and high level of commitment to ensuring the social protection of our targeted groups. I want to express sincere thanks on behalf of all those families in Guyana who have benefited from your graciousness.”
Also speaking at the event was President/CEO Mr. Robin Mahfood. He pledged that the organization will continue extending help to this nation. While noting that Guyana has poverty, Mr. Mahfood said that the situation in Haiti is far worse and would bring someone to tears.
The President affirmed that education is the way out of poverty.
He said, “We (FFTP) work in schools and orphanages. Education is one of the easiest ways out of poverty. Without a good education you’re asking for trouble”. Mr. Mahfood added that FFTP is looking to move children to a better path, especially if they are educated.
“This is what is important as a community, as a society. You train your children how to have an easier life. You train them in such a way to learn how to make a profit. If you teach someone how to make a profit they will not go back into poverty. And that is the plan and road we are on right now.”
He said that Guyana has tremendous revenue coming from agriculture development, chicken rearing and cassava mills and so on and their goal is continuing these projects and even more.
The President stated, “One of our goals this year is to provide more housing units and sustainable development; to pump and gave clean water to people.
“People need good clean drinking water not to get sick. We want to bring solar light where there is no electricity.”
Mr. Mahfood extended thanks to the US Government, which he said had been very generous to FFTP throughout the years.
Last year, FFTP shipped in 171 trailer loads of aid. It has built 3267 houses since the start of the housing programme.