Dear Christine,
This letter is to address the Government of Barbados. I am 12 years old and attend one of the best secondary schools in Barbados. I live with my mother and sister. It hurts me to see that my mother cannot get a job.
Every day she leaves home looking for work and there is nothing. It hurts me very much. Many mornings my sister and I go to school without anything to eat – only a cup of tea.
Can someone give my mother a job, please? Sometimes I feel like killing myself when I see my mum cry because she does not have money or lunch for me to take to school.
You may be wondering where our father is. He smokes, gambles and refuses to help my mother with us.
I wrote a few letters on my mother’s behalf to the Prime Minister but he has not gotten to us as yet.
Christine, please help my mother to find work. My mother is a very good woman. When she was working, there was nothing she would not do or give us.
Right now, there is no food at all in the house. The electricity is turned off; we have no gas, and this is three weeks now that I have been going to school hungry every day.
On afternoons, my sister and I have to get lunch from our schools. Sometimes I go to my friend’s house when I know her mother is not at home so I can get something to eat.
My plan for the future is to become Prime Minister so I can make life better for people (like my mother who did not attend secondary school) – people who have no skills and cannot read or fill out a form.
Sir, if you see this letter, please help my mother find a job.
I am hurt and vexed. There must be change for poor people!
There is so much more to say but it would take a long time.
I want to ask one more thing of you: is there anyone out there who can help me with a computer so I can do my homework? Thank you, dear Christine.– HELP Dear Help,
Your letter has brought tears to my eyes, and I am sure it will do the same to others.
The more I read it, the more I thought that few people fully understand the burden children like yourself carry for your parents and the hardships facing many families today.
It is not for any of us to ask how or why you are in these circumstances, but to reach out and help, and that is what I will offer to do. In doing so, I am making a special appeal through this column for anyone – individuals and corporate Barbados, those touched by your letter – to donate food or offer any other form of assistance, including helping your mum with her current utility bills.
Sometimes my hands are tied due to a lack of food items and funds. Your case comes at a time when three other families are in crisis for lack of food. I have already set up a search to see what job offers are available.
Your letter tells me that you are an intelligent young person with great ambition. With some help and encouragement, you will go places – possibly even becoming a Prime Minister of Barbados. I’m sure your mum would be proud of you.Thanks to you, I have already connected with her, and again, I promise to help in whatever way possible.– CHRISTINE