Single mum beats odds to support seven children

BEING a single parent at these economically tough times is extremely hard, says a single mother.
Lynette Afamie, of Bogia in Madang, has, for the last 12 years, been the sole the breadwinner for her seven children since her husband left her in 2005.
“It is a challenge when it comes to meeting the needs and wants of my children, especially for their education,” she said.
“I was a housewife when my husband left and the struggles to raise my children have been an everyday challenge. Life is hard.”
Many single parents go to great lengths to provide something for their children at the end of the day.
Afami said her children, who are between the ages of 12 and 19, were being supported by her parents. She supported her children through selling at a market stall.
When asked she moved to Lae and why, Afamie said the only thing that made her to leave home was to find ways to support her children’s education.
“I came to Lae in 2011 and fortunately, I was employed by the Papindo Group of Companies,” she said.
“That was when I at least met some expenses for my children and myself. But that was a struggle and a very long journey for me.
“I never thought I would face situations like this.
“The challenge for me now is to shape my children’s future. I want them to be educated and be able to fend for themselves.”
There are many parents who are going through the same situations.
Afamie said through her job, she was able to pay for rent, food and her children’s school fees.
“I am appealing to those going through such situation to face life positively. You must know that you are both the mother and the father to your children,” she said.