Unskilled at house-painting but determined to do her part, Her Excellency Paula-Mae Weekes, O.R.T.T., President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago—and Patron of Habitat for Humanity Trinidad and Tobago—wielded a paint roller to good effect last week at Habitat’s Women Build 2019.
Habitat for Humanity is a global non-profit housing organisation building homes for those in need. Habitat’s vision is of a world where everyone has a decent place to live. It works toward this vision by assembling teams of skilled and unskilled volunteers to build basic homes for those in need. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage.
Noting over the years that women and children are among those most likely to be affected by poor living conditions, Habitat for Humanity developed its Women Build programme in which it builds homes specifically for single mothers and their families. In Trinidad and Tobago, Women Build 2019, constructed a 3-bedroom concrete house in Gasparillo for a single mother and two of her children with the help of Proman Group, Yes Careers and Cite up.
Women Build 2019 culminated on Tuesday May 23 with a cadre of women volunteers from all walks of life including President Weekes; The Honourable Bridgid Annisette-George, Speaker of the House; Her Excellency Liliana Edgerton Picado, Ambassador of Costa Rica; Dr. Gabrielle Hosein, Institute for Gender and Development Studies, UWI; Janelle Penny Commissiong, Chairman, Tourism Trinidad; Angela Lee Loy, Chairman, Aegis Business Solutions; Aleeya Ali and Hanna Sukhu of Proman Group; Michelle Palmer Keizer and Karen Yip Chuck of Republic Bank; Dr. Walker and Ms. Ajodha of Soroptimists International; Rachel Lee Young of the UK Women’s Social Group as well as corporate partners and other partner associations; getting together to paint the structure, inside and out.
By their presence, not only did these women show tangible support for another in need of basic shelter, but they also helped to raise awareness for the outstanding work of Habitat for Humanity.
“A successful woman is one who can build a firm foundation with the bricks that life has thrown at her.” Habitat for Humanity.
