Physically Challenged Children Get Wheelchairs From COJO

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Nine wheelchairs have been donated to the physically challenged children at the Glenhope Nursery in Kingston by Children of Jamaica Outreach, Inc. (COJO), a non –governmental organization in the United States. The wheelchairs and a cheque for US$10,000 were yesterday (Jan. 19) presented to superintend of the nursery, Pauline Espute Brown by Gary Williams, who formed COJO.

In making the presentation, Mr. Williams said having worked at places of safety in Jamaica, he realized that more emphasis needed to be placed on the physically challenged. “ The needs of the physically challenged cannot be ignored and they should be given the same opportunities and enjoy the same benefits as those children not physically challenged,” he said. Giving details of his organization, Mr. Williams said COJO has been in operation for four years and was formed to provide assistance for needy children in Jamaica. The groups comprise Jamaican living in the United States.

Mr. Williams said, so far COJO has raised funds and provided assistance for children at the Alpha Boys Home and the Marigold Child Care Centre in Kingston. He expressed appreciation to Air Jamaica, Sandals Resorts International, Grace Kennedy and Company Limited. British West Indies Airways and other organizations which sponsored fund-raising activities for the organization. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Seymour Mullings congratulated Mr. Williams “ for taking a look at the nation’s less fortunate children”.

He said that at the time when the resources of the government were limited, it was good that organizations were willing to come to the assistance of others less fortunate than themselves. Nothing that the needs of the physically challenged could not be ignored, Mr. Mullings said “if the country is to develop its full potential, we need to equip all our children so that they can make meaningful contribution to the country’s development”. He mentioned that a national policy for persons with disabilities was being prepared and should be placed before parliament soon. Deputy Director of the Children’s Services Division, Claudette Hemmings also offered thanks to Mr. Williams, nothing that the wheelchairs would help the children to move around more easily.