The family of Ézekiel, a young boy born with trisomy 21 and a severe heart condition, has been given the keys to a new home in Henrietta, Mauritius. The child's parents, Deborah Celidor-Fils and Christopher Grande Sable, received the keys just days before Ézekiel's first birthday on November 8. This development brings relief to the family after several challenging months.
Ézekiel's condition required him to undergo open-heart surgery in New Delhi, India, in March this year. The surgery was made possible by the generosity of many Mauritians and the support of the Overseas Mauritius Club Association (OMCA). After several weeks of care and convalescence, Ézekiel returned to Mauritius in May to be with his parents.
The new home was provided under the rent-to-own scheme, which is available to eligible beneficiaries of the National Housing Development Corporation (NHDC) who are unable to secure a bank loan or mortgage. The scheme allows families to occupy their homes for a monthly rent of Rs 4,000, with the option to purchase the property later. The initial sale price is set at Rs 975,000, which decreases over time.
Deborah and Christopher have expressed their gratitude to the Mauritians who supported them and to the Minister of Housing and Lands, Shakeel Mohamed, for facilitating their application. While the family now has a home, they still need to furnish and equip it. They have appealed for help from those who would like to assist them in setting up their new home.
The rent-to-own scheme provides an opportunity for families like Deborah and Christopher's to acquire a home without the burden of a large mortgage. The scheme's terms allow beneficiaries to exercise their option to purchase the property at any time during the agreed period. This offers a chance for families to plan for the future and invest in their homes.
For Deborah and Christopher, the priority now is to settle into their new home and provide a stable environment for Ézekiel to grow up in. The family is looking forward to a brighter future, and the new home represents a significant step towards achieving this goal. Ézekiel's first year has been marked by significant medical challenges, but his parents are hopeful for a healthier and happier future.
The support of the Mauritian community and government has been instrumental in helping the family navigate their challenges. The provision of the new home is a testament to the impact of collective efforts in making a positive difference in people's lives. As Ézekiel celebrates his first birthday, his family is grateful for the new beginning that their home represents.
Key points
- The Mauritian government has provided a new home to a family with a child born with trisomy 21 and a heart condition under a rent-to-own scheme.
- The child's family had been facing significant medical challenges and financial burdens.
- The new home is expected to provide a stable environment for the child to grow up in.
