The Humanitarian Mission Inc., founded by US-based, Guyanese philanthropist Suresh Sugrim, has been a beacon of hope in Berbice, Guyana, since its inception in 2005. Located in Port Mourant, Berbice, the organization has evolved significantly from its early days as a handout service to a comprehensive support system to break the cycle of poverty. Among its notable achievements are women who have become successful business owners, able to support their families and escape abusive relationships. These success stories inspire hope and highlight the potential for positive change.
“By 2013, we realized that more than mere handouts were needed to address poverty sustainably. So, we shifted our focus towards empowering individuals through education and skills development. In 2015, we established a state-of-the-art training center on leased government land, which now offers a range of training programs designed to uplift and educate the community,” he explained.
The Mission provides training in various skills, including cooking, baking, cake decoration, sewing, cosmetology, and information technology. The Mission also runs a summer program for children, teaching them the importance of technology, and hosts special events for seniors and vulnerable children throughout the year.
Despite its wide array of programs, the Humanitarian Mission faces significant financial challenges. Operating without substantial funding, the organization relies on a modest student fee to cover teacher stipends. With high maintenance costs and limited support, concerns about the Mission’s future viability exist. “If it hadn’t been for our donors, we would not have been where we are today. We hold our small donors and every other donor in the highest esteem. We are doing in Guyana through the benevolent kindness of our diaspora donors, and we have few donors in Guyana,” he noted.
Sugrim emphasizes the Mission’s focus on empowering individuals, particularly women, with skills that can lead to independence and entrepreneurship. Over 5,000 women have been trained since 2015, and many have started their businesses or improved their lives significantly.
“We are not asking for help to feed someone for a day. We want to teach them how to fish and sustain themselves for a lifetime…our programs have transformed lives, helping many women break free from abusive situations and become self-sufficient,” Sugrim said.
The mission offers free training to those unable to afford the $5,000 fee due to poverty or single parenthood. Additionally, it provides babysitting services for mothers who lack childcare support.
Since its inception, the Mission has engaged in significant humanitarian efforts, such as building homes and providing medical assistance. However, Sugrim stresses that the focus has always been on long-term empowerment rather than short-term aid, ensuring a sustainable impact on the community.
The Humanitarian Mission remains committed to its goals, but Sugrim calls for support from the government and potential donors to keep the organization operational. Your support is crucial and can make a significant difference. “If we cannot secure more support, we may be forced to close our doors,” he warned.
If you would like more information on how to assist or get involved, you can contact Suresh Sugrim at (973) 868-6163, 592 – 336-6913, or 592-615-2433, hmguyana@gmail.com. “Every bit of support helps us continue our vital work and make a lasting impact on the community,” he said.
