ROSLYN STRAKER GREW UP as an orphan in a children’s home, but this does not mean she is a nobody. Instead, she sees herself as a queen, who was privileged to grow up in a castle, with “some of the most inspirational and helpful” parents a child could ever need.
Today, Straker is an employee with the Child Care Board and has been a nursery assistant and an assistant supervisor over the past 24 years. She was recently awarded by the Rotary Club of Barbados.
In an interview at her Bagatelle Day Nursery workplace, Straker told the MIDWEEK NATION why she was motivated to get involved in child care, and why she does not intend to turn her back on this career any time soon.
“The Bible teaches me that I’m created in the image of God, and that I’m important to Him. He tells me that I’m somebody, even though it’s easy to get the message from the world that you are nobody. God is the one who gives me value and I’m thankful to him for being with me throughout my life.
“My being an orphan at the age of three, He placed me and many more in the care of Daphne Daniel, former house mother of the Newcastle Children’s Home . . . along with Marjorie Maloney, and Geoffrey Morris who passed away last month.
“These played a very important role in my life, along with my sister and three brothers,” said the wife and mother of one.
This WEDNESDAY WOMAN pointed to the unsettling fact that some people in society have the mindset that those who have been through the care of a children’s home were mistreated by authorities. But, Straker would like those beliefs to be replaced with the words “treated like royalty”.
“It was their discipline and loving care, along with a foundation of a relationship with God that made me who I am today. Some people thought at that time that to be in a children’s home you were underprivileged, poor and a nobody, but they were wrong. We were privileged to be treated with royalty with cooks, maids and attendants.
“Four meals daily, parties held by the Lions Club, The Macaw Club, tours and parties on Her Majesty’s ships, the Police Band at Christmas, gifts from many . . . and much more,” Straker said.
The St George resident, who took courses offered by the Skills Training Board, Child Care Board and Caribbean Training Institute, has worked in children’s homes and day care centres across the island.
Straker showers the children under her care with lots of love and concern for their well-being, sharing with them the principles and disciplines of life and how to be the best they can be.
“I became whatever I could be to win them in love, friendship – never to cast them away as nobody. I would play, ride bicycles and pray with them. On leaving, it often brought sadness to them, and me also – especially at Sterling Home.
“I received letters from some of them which I still have in my possession since 1995. I’m happy that I can be meaningful to the lives of these small children, and teenagers.
“Sometimes some of the children can be a challenge, but I don’t give up. I always look to learn and understand the child, to see how best I can work with him or her. If I see one of the aunties having a difficulty coping with a child I usually get to work with that child.
“Even beyond the call of duty, I will take a child to my home sometimes for the weekend – of course with the parents’ consent, especially those who need that extra special love and attention.
“I think because of my God-given gift I draw children to me. I do it reflecting the glory of God. Parents would ask who is Auntie Straker . . . . Some children would bring flowers when coming to the nursery – just for Auntie Straker.
“I see myself as a Julie Andrews in the movie Sound Of Music . . . the way she was with the von Trapp family – singing, playing, climbing, running, and all of that!”
