2 single mothers receive newly-built homes from MOM Initiative

As the Men on Mission (MOM) Initiative continues to deliver to the vulnerable, two single mothers in Regions Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) and Four (Demerara-Mahaica) have been handed newly-constructed homes.
Bhagwattie Ghirao and Bibi Arjune, who have faced immense challenges, are the latest beneficiaries of the MOM Initiative, a brainchild of President Dr Irfaan Ali.
In Mon Repos on the East Coast of Demerara, 64-year-old single parent and cancer survivor Bibi Arjun received the keys to her new home during a handover ceremony attended by the Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mohabir Anil Nandlall, SC.

Bibi, who works as a domestic worker, lost her home over a year ago after it collapsed. She reached out to the Men on Mission Initiative for assistance, and they responded favourably to her request.
On the verge of tears, Bibi thanked MOM for her new home, and expressed deep gratitude for the support.
Minister Nandlall, in commending the MOM Initiative for its impactful work across the country, has said, “Men are showcasing their talent while making a philanthropic and charitable contribution towards the upliftment of our society.” He added, “I would like to recognise the Men on Mission for the sterling work they have done throughout the length and breadth of our country. Today marks another remarkable accomplishment of the MOM.”
Minister Nandlall further extended his congratulations to the single mother, acknowledging the significance of this gesture.
“Congratulations to Ms. Arjune for being the beneficiary of this simple but important gesture,” he remarked.
Meanwhile, at Belle West (Canal #2) on the West Bank of Demerara, 47-year-old Bhagwattie Ghirao received the second house.
Bhagwattie has also faced significant hardships. Having lost both her husband and son, she currently lives with her two daughters and works as a domestic worker to support her family. Her late husband had helped her purchase the land, and she had managed to build a fence around it. When she learned about President Ali’s promise to provide housing for single parents and mothers, she wrote a letter to him, which her daughter delivered.
The woman was overjoyed when she was contacted to have a house built for her by the Men on Mission.
MOM representative Lieutenant Colonel Lloyd Souvenir, speaking at the handover ceremony, congratulated Ms. Ghirao on her new home, and assured her, “We are here to support you, the Men on Mission is happy to support you.”
These new homes symbolise not only personal triumphs for both women, but also stand as a testament to the collective efforts of men dedicated to uplifting vulnerable women in Guyana.
Launched in October 2022, the Men on Mission Initiative aims to combat toxic masculinity while fostering a supportive environment for men. Through mentoring and humanitarian engagement, the initiative promotes integrity, productivity, and accountability within communities. Since its inception, Men on Mission has been dedicated to constructing homes for vulnerable persons, including the elderly and single mothers. The beneficiaries have to be landowners in order to qualify for a newly- built house.
On Mother’s Day last month, 47-year-old single mother Nicole Fraser was presented with a brand-new two-bedroom furnished house at Farm on the East Bank of Demerara.
Under the MOM Initiative, similar homes are being built in Regions Two, Five, Six and 10.
In 2023, some $500 million was allocated for this initiative, resulting in the construction of 50 homes for vulnerable persons, including the elderly and single mothers. This year, another $500 million has been allocated to the MOM Initiative.