For 35-year-old Yamanie Bepot, the dream of owning a safe and comfortable home for her children seemed far beyond reach. A single mother of three, she spent years living in a modest wooden and zinc structure in Ordnance Fortlands, East Canje, Berbice, a place she lovingly maintained despite its deteriorating condition. However, her resilience and determination to provide a better life for her children caught the attention of the Men on Mission (MOM) Initiative, a government-led program dedicated to supporting vulnerable families.
Today, that dream became a reality when Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Zulfikar Mustapha officially handed over the keys to a brand-new home constructed for her through the Men on Mission (MOM) Initiative. The building, sponsored and built by SAWA Investment Inc. and other private sector supporters, now stands as a beacon of hope, not just for Bepot, but for many single mothers striving for a better future.
Yamanie’s journey has been far from easy. Fourteen years ago, her life took an unexpected turn when her husband passed away, leaving her to raise her children on her own. With no stable home, she lived in rented houses until she and her late husband managed to acquire a small plot of land. What was meant to be the foundation of their future quickly became a daily struggle as the years and elements took their toll on the fragile structure.
Determined to ensure a stable future for her children, Yamanie worked tirelessly cleaning crabs, taking on domestic jobs, and currently serving at a Chinese restaurant to make ends meet. Every dollar she earned was carefully managed to keep her children happy and their home as livable as possible.
Then, in December last year, her story took a turn for the better. After The News Desk visited her home and published her story, her struggles gained public attention. Days later, while at work, she received a life-changing phone call that the Men on Mission would build her a new home.
The newly constructed home is spacious and fully equipped, featuring two bedrooms, a kitchen, a washroom, and a living area, ensuring comfort and security for Yamanie and her children. Additionally, she was assured that the home will soon be fully furnished, further easing her financial burden.
During the handing-over ceremony, Minister Mustapha emphasized the government’s commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable citizens through initiatives like MOM, which is a brainchild of President Mohamed Irfaan Ali. He noted that the government continues to explore ways to support vulnerable families, highlighting that over 30,000 house lots have been distributed in the past four years as part of Guyana’s national housing program. He added that the MOM initiative complements these efforts by providing direct support to those most in need.
He also commended the contributions of private sector partners such as SAWA Investment Inc. and GEICO, specifically recognizing Managing Director Kumal Singh for his role in making this project a reality.
Overwhelmed with gratitude, Yamanie expressed her deep appreciation for everyone who made her new home possible. She shared how much of a difference this would make in her life, explaining that no longer would she have to battle frogs and snakes in her home or walk through mud when it rained. She promised to take care of her new house, cherishing the security and stability it would provide for her and her children.
For Yamanie Bepot, this home is more than just a structure, it is a symbol of hope, perseverance, and the kindness of those who saw her struggle and took action.
