St Cuthbert’s Mission Single Mother Praises ‘Because We Care’

Just months after losing her husband, Penelope Dundas of St Cuthbert’s Mission, also known as Pakuri, is doing everything she can to ensure her children remain in school and have opportunities she never had.

Dundas is among thousands of parents benefitting from the government’s ‘Because We Care’ cash grant, which began nationwide distribution on Monday.

Penelope Dundas, alongside her late husband Vibert Dundas

For her, the support comes at a critical moment as she prepares two of her school-aged children for the new academic year. She is also coping with the loss of her husband, Vibert Dundas, who passed away in March.

In an interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI) on Wednesday, she spoke candidly about the difficult months that followed his passing.

“Life has been challenging because my children no longer have their father. Financially, things are not easy, but we continue to manage and move forward,” she said.

Living in the riverain section of the Amerindian community, Dundas faces a daily 30-minute journey to ensure her children reach school. The responsibility now rests solely on her shoulders, along with the added burden of transportation and fuel costs.

“It [the cash grant] will help me buy uniforms, school bags and textbooks. As a single mother, this support eases the burden and helps me get my children ready for school,” Dundas explained.

“The government is doing a wonderful job for our children. As parents, we also have a responsibility to encourage them to attend school, work hard, and make full use of the opportunities being provided,” she added.

Zereena Dundas & Zenidine Dundas received the ‘Because We Care’ cash grant

Despite the hardship, she told DPI that her children remain her greatest motivation and the reason she continues to push forward.

“My children are my biggest motivation. I want them to go further than I did and receive the education that I never had. Everything I do is for them,” she said.

Dundas also welcomed the government’s continued investment in education.

She noted that the annual increase in the ‘Because We Care’ cash grant has made a meaningful difference for families, particularly those facing financial hardship.

Penelope Dundas, alongside her late husband Vibert Dundas, her children, and her niece in the centre

She praised the Ministry of Education’s initiatives, including the school feeding programme and other measures to support students, while encouraging parents to remain actively involved in their children’s education.

Balancing the responsibilities of single parenthood, Dundas continues to support cultural development in Pakuri by volunteering with the village’s cultural group, helping to prepare costumes and mentor young performers.

“I want to encourage other single parents never to give up on their children. Use the ‘Because We Care’ cash grant to invest in their education because it will benefit their future,” she urged.

The progression of the ‘Because We Care’ cash grant

 Source : https://dpi.gov.gy/st-cuthberts-mission-single-mother-praises-because-we-care-grant-for-renewed-hope/