THE EDITOR, Sir:AFTER READING the articles in The Sunday Gleaner, January 5, 2002 on conditions in children's homes I was almost overcome with sorrow on behalf of the children who have to survive in such harsh environments.
It made me wonder whether any of the reporters had visited the Windsor Girls Home in St. Ann's Bay. I hope that you will allow me to share some of the good fortunes of this home as it may encourage persons and organisations near to the other homes to give a helping hand.
For several years the girls lived in the Old Windsor Hotel which had not only become dilapidated but dangerous as the land behind the building was slipping into the river. The U.S. Marine Engineering Corps built new classrooms for the students where they now learn Cosmetology, Home Economics and Dressmaking. Some girls also go to the local high schools.
The Friends of the home were instrumental in getting the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF) to build a dormitory to house 70 girls. The rooms were nicely furnished and each can accommodate three girls.
The dormitory was fenced with funds provided by Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). The St. Thomas Environment Protection Association (STEPA) has secured funds from the Environmental Foundation of Jamaica (EFJ) to start a solid waste project. The grounds have been landscaped by means of a soil erosion project sponsored by the Canadian Green Fund.
Several years ago members of the Soroptimist Club of Northern Jamaica decided to give gifts distributed at the annual Christmas Party hostedby Jamaica Grande. We as Soroptimists are also big sisters and mentors to the girls as the home operates a Big Sister programme open to the community. Sandals Resort in fact has several workers who are big sisters to the girls.
In my capacity as president of the club I went to the dinner last month to distribute the gifts. It made me extremely happy because Jamaica Grande had the Windsor Ballroom beautifully decorated in red and white and made their staff available to serve. The girls behaved well and were served with courtesy by the staff. On entering the room I could hardly recognise the girls as they were 'decked' out in beautiful clothes and cosmetology teacher, Miss Christine, had given them beautiful hair-dos.
I understand that some of the food was given by other hotels, and there was enough for all the guests which included the boys of the Prospect College. After dinner speeches and distribution of the gifts, Burke Betton provided music for dancing.
Principal, Barbara Byron-Black and her staff make a special effort to make the girls happy and are to be commended.
While things are not perfect at Windsor, as the home was opened without any consultation or discussion with the community, the home is doing reasonably well.
If you have been touched by the articles which have appeared in the press, I recommend that if there is a home near to you, that you assist as it will bring happiness to these children who can benefit from your concern for them.
I am, etc.,
K. CYNTHIA GRAHAM
President Soroptimist
International of Northern Jamaica.
