Ashmini Ramnauth is on a mission to empower youths and families in an effort to ultimately eradicate a growing social issue, child neglect
In an interview with Sunday Times Magazine, Ashmini said her interest in addressing the issue of child neglect was prompted when she joined the Miss World Guyana pageant in 2016 as a contestant.
“I was given an opportunity to launch the project under the pageant’s linked charity called Beauty With A Purpose. It was the Miss World Guyana pageant that helped me to secure a voice and launch the project on official grounds,” the 21-year-old recalled.
Apart from her humanitarian work, Ashmini loves pageantry. In the Miss India Guyana 2017 pageant, she was awarded the ‘First Princess’ title, copping the People’s Choice award; she was also a Miss World Guyana 2016 finalist; and the Miss World Guyana top model 2016.
Due to the platform afforded to her through her involvement in pageants, Ashmini started her project, “Let’s join hands, tie the knot and fill the gaps”. She said it was initiated because of her “love for underprivileged children in society” and her observations on how children suffer due to neglect.
She believes that child neglect leads to other social issues, such as suicide, teenage pregnancies, unhealthy teen relationships and abuse. Via this project, which started in February 2016, the humanitarian is focused on “building strong foundations for family life and bringing society as a whole to help in the upbringing of our Guyanese children”.
Ashmini noted that the project is mainly focused on youths and families in Region 5 (Mahaica-Berbice) because she grew up in that area and is cognizant of the challenges faced by youths in that region.
“I have taken keen interest in the affairs of the children of Region 5 because of being born in that area, where I also currently reside. I am also a regional ambassador for the region, a title that has afforded me the opportunity to help with child neglect, which is prevalent in Region 5. Though there are organisations doing commendable work in the area of child neglect, one being CHILDLINK, I think more can be done,” she declared.
Ashmini outlined that the project’s main objectives/aims are to acquire sufficient funds to supply hot meals to children countrywide (initiating a feeding programme); assist children with shelter by constructing an orphanage with branches throughout Guyana; and to start a non-governmental organisation to address the basic interests and welfare of children.
“The project is about curbing the issue of child neglect through the school system. What we do as a small group of persons is to host seminars and various workshops with schools, providing counselling sessions and various talks with the help of printed resources, such as pamphlets and brochures. I work with a particular school in doing this on a regular basis during the academic terms so as to ensure we create an effect on children who are suffering from various causes of neglect, and also involving teachers to help curb this disheartening issue,” she noted.
Since the project’s launching last year, Ashmini and her team have conducted a few feeding programmes with hopes of expansion.
Sadly, due to limited finances, challenges arose in being able to adequately provide basic necessities for children who are neglected. Nevertheless, with the support from the public, close friends and families, Ashmini ardently continues to help in whatever way she can.
“I have received accolades, apart from regional recognition, for the work I have been doing via this project. Personally, I feel very grateful for the opportunity to address this social issue of child neglect. This year, I received the GIVE Foundation award, titled ‘Beautiful Heart Award’, for the presentation of the project through my participation in the Miss India Guyana 2017 pageant. I express much gratitude to the GIVE Foundation for awarding me such recognition for the work I have been doing.
“Apart from being overjoyed and genuinely satisfied, I feel a sense of reward when I see smiles on the faces of children we have helped. Also, being able to impact the many lives of innocent children and to pave a brighter future for Guyana have added to my joy. Being a strong, young woman and a role model to youths, I want to continue to influence the younger generations to believe in themselves and to aspire to be great regardless of the odds,” expressed Ashmini.
Outlining her future plans, Ashmini said she would like to have regular feeding programmes for underprivileged children; support children financially throughout their academic lives; and expand her project’s guidance and counselling sessions. Hence, she encourages kind-hearted individuals and corporate Guyana to help in forwarding her humanitarian work.
“A special ‘thank you’ to all those who would have contributed one way or the other to this project. If you would like to contribute to my project or find out more about it, please contact me on my Facebook page, Ash Ramnauth; Instagram at ashramnauth; or email ashmimiramnauth@yahoo.com,” she stated.
