Making a difference during the pandemic
—Corentyne mother assisting vulnerable groups
—Plans on stream to increase donations
DPI, Guyana, Sunday, May 17, 2020
A Corentyne Nursery School teacher and mother of two is ensuring vulnerable persons are supported in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, through a hamper distribution exercise.
To date Rozanna Mohamed of Number 78 Village, Corriverton has distributed hampers to one hundred persons and their families. She has focused her efforts between the villages of Albion to Molsen Creek.
Mohamed explained that after Guyana recorded its first case and the subsequent stay-at-home measure was implemented, she began learning of the challenges some families were encountering.
“I recognised when we began recording cases and went into the stay-at-home period, businesses were closing and some jobs were lost that it was going to especially impact single mothers and the elderly.”
Taking some of her savings Mohamed put together grocery hampers and began distributing to these two vulnerable groups in her community.
Hoping to inspire others to do the same she posted her progress on social media. This, however, resulted in other single mothers reaching out seeking her help and led to her contacting relatives and friends to get additional help.
As Mohamed continued, she began networking with others across Guyana and many have supported her effort by providing funding.
The mother of two plans to make this a continuous effort even after the pandemic and is optimistic more people will follow suit.
“I do plan to continue this initiative, even after the pandemic, and will include mothers with children with disabilities, elderly persons with amputation, and elderly persons who have suffered a stroke … I will help as much as I can.”
On Saturday, May 17, Mohamed with the help of others made another distribution to several families in Number 65 Village on the Corentyne. She hopes to return on Tuesday to deliver more much-needed items.