Forty-three-year-old Sherwin De Young, a father of five from Mainstay, was overcome with emotion as tears streamed down his face when the Men on Mission (MoM) handed him the keys to a brand-new home.
This generous gift—a two-bedroom house—was presented by the MoM team, an initiative led by the President of Guyana, Dr Irfaan Ali. Along with the house, KGM Security also donated a sofa, refrigerator, and stove to help the family rebuild their lives.

The handover ceremony was spearheaded by Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, who officially opened the house and took the opportunity to commend the efforts of the MoM team. Minister Indar emphasised the value of selfless service to humanity, highlighting that President Irfaan Ali and the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) have the well-being of vulnerable citizens at heart.
Reflecting on the tragic fire that destroyed the De Young family’s previous home, Minister Indar acknowledged the profound hardship they endured. He expressed hope and optimism, reminding the family that after every storm comes renewal and growth.

Minister Indar praised the resilience of the De Young family for staying united despite the devastating loss. He noted that, often, such tragedies can lead to the fracturing of families, but in this case, the family’s strength and the support from Men on Mission kept them together.

“The fire may have destroyed your home, but what matters is the rebuilding process that follows,” Minister Indar said.
He likened the nurturing nature of the Men on Mission members to that of mothers, emphasising the initiative’s focus on encouraging men to embrace their roles as caretakers and community pillars.
Sharing his personal story, Minister Indar spoke of his humble beginnings and how, despite his circumstances, he was able to rise and make a positive impact on society.
He urged the De Young children to prioritise their education, expressing his gratitude to President Irfaan Ali for launching a programme that extends a helping hand to the vulnerable. Lieutenant Colonel Bhageshwar Murli, National MoM Coordinator, highlighted the growth of the MoM initiative.

Initially focused on providing shelter, MoM has expanded its reach to address various community needs. Murli mentioned that the team has received over 150 requests across Guyana, responding to those that meet their criteria, which includes assistance for individuals with disabilities, those who have lost homes due to natural disasters or fires, single mothers with more than three children, and pensioners.
“Men on Mission primarily focuses on at-risk and underprivileged individuals, embodying President Irfaan Ali’s vision of compassion and duty to the citizens of Guyana,” Murli said.

In addition to constructing homes, MoM has launched a Youth Empowerment and Mentorship Programme in Regions Four and Nine, with plans to expand iit to Regions Five and Three, providing guidance to the youth in these areas.

Beneficiary Sherwin De Young expressed his deep gratitude, recalling the devastating fire that left his family homeless and hopeless. He reached out to Men on Mission, who promptly came to his aid, helping him to secure a new home.

De Young shared that his children will now sleep peacefully, and he is immensely thankful to the MoM team for helping him rebuild his life. MoM 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, MoM has been dedicated to constructing homes for those in need, including the elderly and single mothers.

In September 2023, a fire destroyed the home of Sherwin De Young and his family of seven in Mainstay/Whyaka, leaving them homeless. The family, which includes children aged 10, eight, five, three, and one, are now able to rebuild their lives thanks to the efforts of Men on Mission.