-A mandate to empower
The mission of the Orchid Foundation is to empower individuals, especially women, to become independent and improve their lives through vital life skills programmes.
In an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine, Indra Constantine noted that the foundation is a non-profit organisation registered under the Friendly Societies Act. She added it was officially opened in 2009 by herself and husband, Mark Constantine (a pastor who has a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology).
“The foundation initially served the community of Parfaite Harmonie. It started off as a women’s group but later we saw the need to expand our efforts to other communities and also welcomed men who needed counselling. This is where my husband was able to contribute because of having a PhD in Psychology,” Indra pointed out.
A member of the Guyana Relief Council since 2005, Indra is passionate about giving back to her community, which also contributed to her starting the foundation.
Initially, according to Indra, the foundation offered craft courses and hosted a medical outreach, which is still ongoing, in collaboration with the Mercy Hospital Mobile Outreach Clinic and sponsored by Medicines for Humanity. Notably, the foundation has since increased its efforts and offers skills training in the fields of cosmetology, nail and hair, cake and pastry, sewing, floral arrangements, and computer literacy classes.
Classes are held throughout the week in a separate building housed in the Constantine’s yard.
“Initially, the organisation focused and tailored its programmes to help single mothers and school dropouts. However, we later saw the need to get men involved as well. The ongoing medical outreach is not restricted to women alone: everyone is welcomed. One of our main accomplishments is offering recognised certificates to those who have successfully completed the programmes. Two years ago, we approached the Adult Education Association (AEA) for accreditation of our programmes. AEA accepted and we now hand out certificates on their behalf,” Mark outlined.
Additionally, Mark explained he saw the need to educate people on societal issues. As such, he has conducted numerous training programmes on psychology, conflict resolution, counselling – just to name a few- and quite a number of persons benefitted. These programmes are not restricted to just Parfaite Harmonie, but have been extended to groups in and out of Georgetown.
Currently, the foundation is engaged with the Partners of the Americas organisation promoting a project – Hydroponics Agricultural Planting. Consequently, the foundation now has its own shade house and has helped many persons to start their own vegetable gardens, from which they make a living.
“My husband and I love to give back and help others. That is why we were motivated to start this foundation. The name ‘orchid’ was chosen because it is a beautiful sight to behold when it blooms and also it survives in harsh conditions. Additionally, my mother always taught me to be independent and I wanted to help women to realise the same. Notably, many women have completed the courses offered and are now successfully self-employed,” Indra disclosed.
Presently, the foundation has 70 persons signed up for various programmes – a number that is increasing. Indra stated that the foundation has helped hundreds of women since its conception.
Through the foundation’s intervention, Mark mentioned, couples, experiencing domestic problems, have significantly improved their relationships. Success stories include past students returning to share their knowledge with others. These ones also operate successful businesses.
Indra expressed her gratitude for the assistance the foundation receives from the Bernice Mansel Foundation and the Guyana Relief Council. However, she said the foundation needs more funding in realising many of its goals. Her husband also encourages churches to give back in whatever way they can to their communities. He revealed that the foundation was started as a result of his church’s outreach programmes.
“My current plan is getting a separate location for the foundation. We are thankful to the Stabroek Rotary Club, which is currently helping us with our sewing programme. When that programme is completed, we will need sewing machines to continue. We have reached out, but many expressed that they are already committed to other projects. We encourage those who would like to give back to join us,” Indra urged.
For more information, visit Orchid Foundation on Facebook or call 651-8204.
