–highlights initiative’s efforts in building 50 houses for the vulnerable

PRESIDENT Dr Irfaan Ali has publicly defended the Men on Mission (MoM) initiative amid recent criticisms, emphasising its ongoing efforts to construct 50 houses for vulnerable people across Guyana.

The President addressed these concerns during the launch of MoM’s Youth Mentorship and Development Programme in Georgetown last Friday.

Initiated in 2022 by Dr Ali, MoM stands as a pioneering endeavour focused on reintegrating men into society by furnishing them with essential skills crucial for the labour market.

The MoM also aims to equip men in society to deal with complex problems, inclusive of violence against women and children, while helping to bridge the existing gaps, including the need to advance themselves in education.

Already, the initiative has outlined commendable objectives, such as constructing residences for the most vulnerable, including individuals with disabilities and single mothers.

The Guyanese leader highlighted the significant progress MoM has made in its relatively short existence, attributing its success to the dedication and hard work of volunteers from various sectors, including civil society, the private sector, and the government.

“I saw some very insensitive comparisons the other day on social media. Some very insensitive comparisons between a house one member of the private sector was giving and what the Men on Mission was giving. The Men on Mission is right now completing over 50 homes. And members of the private sector must also be thankful to the system because many times when they do these charitable works, it is part of giving back to society and it is part also tax deductible. So, many times, it is not like a gift,” President Ali stated.

According to the Head of State, MoM operates sustainably and welcomes the participation of every private sector member in programmes aimed at uplifting people’s lives. He emphasised that this involvement brings joy to the members of the organisation.

Highlighting the selfless work of dozens of men who are part of MoM, Dr Ali said: “These men do it every day; they don’t publicise it every single day. But they are in communities every day doing counselling services, talking to families, talking to people under difficult circumstances. Every day they are doing this hard work.”

“A house alone does not change circumstances,” said President Ali, noting that psychosocial support is needed to support the holistic wellbeing of people. He revealed that MoM is also working to integrate vulnerable families into the food system by providing them with shade houses. Overall, the president expressed his satisfaction with the work MoM is doing.

Several beneficiaries of the MoM initiative have shared their gratitude for the programme, describing how their new homes have transformed their lives.

One such beneficiary is 47-year-old Nicole Fraser, a single mother of three, who expressed her relief and joy at finally having a secure place for her children.
She was gifted a two-bedroom house by MoM on Mother’s Day.

Earlier this year, the National Assembly approved $500 million for the Men on Mission initiative.

To date, the government has allocated over $1 billion to the MoM initiative, which also benefits from significant contributions from companies and individuals.