It is commendable when Guyanese who have left their homeland years ago return to give back to their communities. One such notable person is Ganesh Ramraj, who was born, and grew up in, Independence Boulevard in La Penitence.
Ganesh migrated to Canada when he was 23 years old. After much soul searching as an adult, and overcoming a few of life’s challenges, Ganesh decided it was time to return home to give back to his childhood community.
In an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine, the philanthropist said his initiative, Youth Development Projects, is the starting point of his vision to help in developing his community and eventually expand his efforts countrywide.
“My motto is, ‘Building communities one child at a time’. My objective is to help children in my childhood community and the West La Penitence area, also known as the “island”, to have opportunities I didn’t have as a child. I see racial division within the communities; that is why I am focused on providing children with the necessary guidance they need to become individuals who effect changes within their communities,” he pointed out.
Through his projects, Ganesh mentioned that his aim is to foster lasting relationships among children because he believes by doing this there will be fewer conflicts and violence, where everyone will work cohesively and as a result will ultimately build the community.
“The community I grew up in was known for its violent nature, but I hope with these initiatives, this will eventually be erased. For the past eight years I am doing this, and I have seen improvements in these areas. Over the years I was able to transform dumpsites into playgrounds. I have evidence of injuries on my body sustained while playing because of the garbage people once threw where the playgrounds are now. But now they are cleared and safe for playing. It is still work in progress as I work assiduously to do more in transforming these playgrounds. I have cleared two playgrounds and now working on the third one,” Ganesh outlined.
Noting the medical help needed in his community, Ganesh has brought medical professionals who have rendered voluntary aid. He said they were impressed with the work he is doing and willingly offered their services for free. Ganesh has also donated sporting equipment such boxing and soccer gears and continues to do this whenever he raises funds.
Additionally, around Diwali he welcomes over 500 persons to his home in Independence Boulevard to celebrate the festivities of that holiday. Lovingly called “coach” in his community, Ganesh stated that whenever he visits he would plan fun and entertaining activities for children at the playgrounds and over 100 of them would attend.
His next plan is to build a community drop-in centre. With increased funds, which he hopes to raise when he gets back to Canada, he would like to also set up a projector for movie nights at the playgrounds with the intent of bringing the community together.
Ganesh noted that his humanitarian work gives him inner strength, renewed passion and motivation to keep doing what he loves. According to Ganesh, his work in his community gives him “life”.
“Life is about enjoying doing things you love and a passion for doing it without even looking at the return. All I want is happiness and I will do it for as long as I can. Some of my friends in Canada, who have visited and saw my outreach work, also share my sentiments and promise to do whatever they can to help me do more for my community. I also work with my relatives in Guyana who help me to distribute items and maintain the playgrounds. I am grateful to Dexter Kosh, Robin David, Eon Souvenir and Jamal Morgan for their invaluable support,” he declared.
For more information on Ganesh’s charitable efforts email ganesh_jag@hotmail.com (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)
