Standss donate kids books to CWM Hospital

Submitted by Narayan24 on Mon, 25/01/2010 - 9:50am

The company, on Tuesday 19th January, donated reading books and puzzles to the Minister for Health, Dr Neil Sharma, and children inpatients at the hospital.

As part of their library project the company painted the reading area in stimulating colors, donated a book trolley for easy transportation of books around the ward and gave more than 50 books and puzzles for children of various ages.

Company director Sanjay Singh said children usually do not like to go to the doctors.

“Having to stay overnight at the hospital can be scary for children to start with, and then boring as they start recovering as their normal energy levels return,” Mr Singh said.

“A good supply of books in the hospital will hopefully provide the children with both an entertaining and educational way to pass the time. Older kids will be able to read books on their own while parents can read to the younger children."

“This small initiative should help children maintain a positive and happy mindset, cope better with their illness and hopefully help speed recovery.”

This is an ongoing project in which Standss is partnering with Kids Link Fiji (KLF), a child led initiative of Save the Children.

Members of Kids Link Fiji will monitor and repair damaged books fortnightly. Standss will periodically add new books as and when required.

Mr Singh has asked families who have books still in good condition, that their children have outgrown, to drop them off at the Save the Children office in Pender Street, Suva. The books will be added to the Reading Area.

“Finally we hope that this initiative is taken up by companies in other parts of Fiji in developing similar Reading Areas for children in other hospitals,” he added.

Dr Sharma, in thanking the company, said the initiative was a good one and something that was sure to help inpatients while they stay in hospital.

“We hope that others will join the club and help set up reading clubs in hospitals around the country,” Dr Sharma said.

“We thank Mr Singh and his company for the kind donation and we hope that children will benefit from this initiative.”