The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport

Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

The Reach Out Youth Organisation (ROYO) is launching a feeding programme next week, providing hot breakfasts every day to about 80 needy children in the inner-city area of Freeport.

Dudley Seide, ROYO founder, said the programme is dear to his heart because he remembers as a youngster going to school without any lunch.

“I remember growing up and having no lunch at school and I know how it feels to be hungry and still try to learn,” he said.

The programme will start on Monday, September 19, from 7.30am to 8.30am at the Reach Out community centre on Banyan Lane from Monday to Friday.

Mr Seide said the organisation conducted a walkabout and survey in the area and discovered that about 60 to 80 children were not having breakfast or lunch at school.

“We went into the community asking parents and kids what are some of their needs and most of them said they had no breakfast in the morning, or lunch at school,” he said.

“We know that this is a contributing factor to kids not doing well in school and so we decided to assist because when children are able function properly on a full stomach instead of worrying about being hungry,” he said.

Mr Seide said they will also provide hot meals twice per month between 4pm and 6pm to children and residents in the community.

The feeding programme will run until June and the estimated cost to run it is over $13,000.

Mr Seide said Elnet Maritime Ltd has come on board and will be

supporting the programme.

“Anyone who wants to contribute towards it, I welcome them, including corporate Grand Bahama,” he said.

He said they will be naming the feeding kitchen in honour of the late Maelene Thomas, a loyal member of Reach Out.

“She has been a faithful member of our organisation and has for most of her life fed people and enjoyed giving of herself and her talent, and we promised to let her name stay alive,” he said.

Persons wishing to assist ROYO’s programme is asked to contact its office at 352-1206 or Mr Seide at 441-1229 or email Dudley.seide@gmail.com.