MANDEVILLE, Manchester:
THE STRUGGLE to house and care for abused or abandoned children in the parish continues to be a monumental task, according to Major Rudolph Richards of the Hanbury Home for Children.
The home, located in Kendal on the outskirts of Mandeville, was established in 1956 and is one of the parish's oldest facilities dedicated to the welfare of children.
With limited resources to carry out its basic functions, Hanbury is heavily dependent on donations in cash and kind to care for the 78 boys and girls now housed at its facilities, whose ages range from new-born to 18 years.
It is estimated that thousands of youngsters have benefited from the care the home has given during the 44 years it has been in operation.
Last year, Hanbury embarked on a project to offer practical and usable skills to teenagers within its care. As part of the programme, the home began construction on a two-storey building, financed by overseas contributions. The building remains incomplete due to a lack of funds.
Remaining optimistic that the local private sector will assist with the building's completion, Major Richards said once in operation the children would be taught skills such as auto body repair, and other technical trades that are marketable.
These skills training opportunities will also be offered to persons living within the communities bordering the home.
A sum of $1 million is needed in cash or materials to complete the training facility, which is slated to come on stream early next year, said Major Richards.
He said HEART/NTA would be assisting with setting up the training programme.
