WHEN her husband passed away from meningitis a year ago, Melissa Cush, better known as “Queenie”, went into a deep state of depression as a single parent, but she didn’t give up because she is a mentor to minors.

Even though the prospect of being the single provider for the home with eight children scared her, she knew they depended on her to be strong, and with that thought in mind, she became a prayerful woman.

She utilised every opportunity to earn and provide for her children, operating a small boutique from her home, and bought a weeding machine which brings in some money.

Cush told Pepperpot Magazine that before her spouse passed away, she had established the East Ruimveldt Giving Back Learning Centre in East Ruimveldt for the community’s children.

“I know what it is like to have nothing, going to bed hungry and not having anyone to stand with you in time of need, losing a loved one, and that motivated me to become the change for others, especially children,” she said.

The 43-year-old has four adult children and four minors, including twins who recently turned 16, and is doing her best to provide for them.

She receives assistance from her adult sons, two of whom have their own families, but one had an accident in 2025, and that left him disabled. Now he is unable to help himself, much less her.

Cush, realising she had a problem with depression, sought counselling and therapy and is overcome with joy she receives from the children in the community, and that is her sign to keep moving forward despite personal challenges.

“Some days, it is hard to get out of bed; that is depression, a silent actor that plays within me, and I am trying to become the best version of myself because people depend on me,” she said.

Going to church in the community and praying has helped, and she would visit different churches as often as she can because they would assist when called upon.

Cush reported that at the East Ruimveldt Giving Back Learning Centre, they have an electrical installation course in session for the community’s youth, empowering them with life skills to become gainfully employed.

She said that for Mother’s Day, May 10, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., she is hosting a dinner for mothers in the community at the Giving Back Centre at Mango Lane, East Ruimveldt.

Cush credits self-discipline and determination with her time management as a single mother, a businesswoman, and the founder of the Centre, which takes up much of her time to keep operational.

“The children in the village bring a smile to my face, and they would come to my house and cheer me up, with a simple hug that makes me feel good inside and out, knowing that I am making a positive impact in their lives, and that is all I need,” she said.

The East Ruimveldt Giving Back Learning Centre was established in 2017 when there was a lot of gun violence in the village, which caused a stigma to become attached to the area.

Cush did not like it at all. She witnessed several young men being gunned down, and she did not want to attend any more funerals. The site, which once housed a garbage dump, was cleared for the Centre, a safe place for all, especially children and youths.

At first, it was just old tyres and wooden benches until she received assistance to construct a flat concrete edifice.

Through self-help, Cush and other villagers came together to lay brick by brick to develop the building for the Centre, which sits at Back Circle, East Ruimveldt.

Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken also contributed to the establishment of the Centre in 2023.

She noted that the Centre aims to empower young people and equip them with life skills, enabling them to earn a living by establishing their own businesses.

The founder said the Centre usually caters for around 70 children from the community, though attendance varies depending on the courses offered.

She expressed her gratitude for the support the Centre has received from corporate Guyana, individuals, organisations, and other agencies, which helps to keep its doors open.