By Sue-Ann Wayow
SEVEN children of families adversely affected by fires in Fyzabad and Port-of-Spain receive electronic tablets to assist with their online learning on Thursday.
The Ministry of Social Development and Family Services in a press release on Friday stated that it has partnered with the East Port-of-Spain Development Company to supply the devices.
The company presented tablets and school supplies to five children affected by the Quarry Street fire which destroyed their homes on January 1.
The company’s managing director Dr Deborah Thomas- Austin said that she was saddened by the loss experienced by the families but stated that she was pleased to partner with the ministry to bring restoration and a sense of normalcy to the affected families, particularly the children.
The parents also expressed their gratitude.
National Director of the National Social Development Programme Patricia De Leon-Henry made the Fyzabad presentations.
Fires at Ackbar Trace, Avocat, and Quarry Street, Port-of-Spain destroyed several homes leaving persons homeless including ten children.
The ministry stated, “Recognising the need to ensure there is access to education in light of the disaster, given the necessity to access online classes due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the ministry liaised with its partners to acquire the electronic devices for the delivery to the children impacted by the disaster.”
The ministry also engaged the families to provide emergency relief. The affected families were assessed to receive assistance under the ministry’s disaster relief grants including the clothing grant which is up to $1,000 per person as well as the school supplies grant which amounts to $700 for primary school children and $1,000 for secondary school children.
Through the Social Welfare Division, household items up to a maximum of $10,000 may also be replaced. Additionally, affected persons may claim for minor house repairs in the sum of $20,000 worth of materials from the ministry’s National Social Development Programme (NSDP).
The affected families would also receive counselling and psychosocial support from the ministry’s National Family Services Division, the ministry stated.
