Children's Homes Needs Assessment Tour - Chapter One

The Needs Assessment team, made up of Rodger Varley, Christian Torry, Geoffrey MacLean, Candice Aking, Jamie Maraj and myself, visited two of the homes for needy kids in North West Trinidad today.

The diversity of our team focused on the qualitative and material needs of the children, the homes, and the physical structures themselves. It is our intention to visit as many Homes as possible throughout Trinidad & Tobago over the next couple of weeks, with an aim to creating a document which will be made available to all our members, the Government, the Private Corporate Sector, and the general public.

The contrasts between the two homes we visited were stark to say the very least, and I was again reminded of the real need that exists.

Where one was seen to be a properly set up institution complete with most (if not all) of the amenities needed in these circumstances, the other was in desperate need, with even eviction being threatened to make way for a possible expansion of the General Hospital.

Our first stop was the Rainbow Rescue in Belmont, where we met with Mrs. Wilson the Manager and her team.

The meeting was frank and focused on the goals of the group, their successes to date and their plans for the future.

The structure itself was in a dilapidated sate, though in much better condition than it was in when they first got it.

Truth be told, the building needs to be demolished and rebuilt, but that discussion cannot be entertained until the Government through the Ministry of Health, gives them them the green light or finalizes their eviction.

They have been offered property in Gran Couva with a 'nothing really' structure on it, but they are reluctant to move that far because (a) all of their children attend schools in the Port of Spain area, and (b) all of their volunteers and the other links in the chain that make this tiny community work would have to be broken, to the detriment of the kids who rely on these relationships as the closest approximation to family.

Mrs. Wilson is optimistic that they may get to stay right where they are, and if this is the case, we will have to work with everybody to help them rebuild as a purpose built home specific for these purposes, complete with privacy for the children who now have little to none.

When discussing the needs of a home one tends to overlook the human needs, but this is specifically the focus of the Jericho Project. Geoffrey MacLean is an accomplished Architect and is eager to create functional space for these families and we are ready to help that become a reality.

We did not get to interact with the kids as they were away at camp.

For those who want to immediately get involved with the Rainbow Rescue Home, you can call - 627 7600 or to 625 6666 to volunteer.

They need volunteers to work with the kids in computers, art, music, sport, games, and any other suggestions that go to quality of life of growing children.

Their most pressing and immediate need is for kitchen appliances, especially for gas stoves, but kitchen furniture and small appliances would be appreciated also. Room fans, books for the children, and any decent furnshing would be welcome.

These people do so much with so little it is humbling to watch.

Our next stop was the St. Dominic's Children's Home also in Belmont, which is an impressive well laid out facility complete with play field and grounds.

A much bigger Home, St. Dominic's winds its way up a hill that offers a remarkable view of Port of Spain and the waterfront.

We met with one of the Social Workers, Ms Jackman who gave us a lot of information as to the workings of the Home and the needs of the kids in general. 

We then met with Sister Greenidge the facility Manager, and she shared some of the vision and promised to forward future plans for the integration of the kids with the wider society.

As this is the very reason for the existence of our Project, we were happy to be given a tour and to discuss ways in which our members could become involved.

The children here looked happy and busy, and the one I spoke to personally was impressively well mannered for someone so young.

For those who want to immediately get involved with the St. Dominic's Children's Home, you can call - 625 7081 ext 15 to volunteer.

They need volunteers to work with the kids. Their most pressing and immediate need is for mentors willing to offer life, work and other guidance to the kids on a planned basis. Art, music, and sports paraphernalia and coaching would be greatly appreciated.

NB We took snacks with us to both Homes and were asked to bring items like fruit in future, and I offer this to anyone who may be visiting and tempted to walk with snacks for the kids. In other words, think healthy. They would rather not be provided with cooked items.

Both Homes would welcome clothes and other personal items for the children, and we recommend that they be new.

We are not soliciting cash donations now, and those moved to give are asked to invest in quality of life items and donate them directly to the Homes.