Dear Christine,
I hope that those of us who read the letter in Monday’s DAILY NATION will feel ashamed that children are living under such appalling conditions in our country today.
How can our Government defend spending $800 000 on a Royal visit and a child or children have to go to school with only a cup of tea and return home knowing that there will not be a meal?
I must ask where is the Child Care Board?
What are the churches doing for these children? Where is the caring community and loving neighbours? Is everyone sleeping or are we too busy minding our own business?
In England not long ago, the mother of a seven-year-old girl and her partner were imprisoned for starving the child to death.
The sad thing about this case was that neighbours suspected something was wrong but did nothing. The social workers felt something was wrong and did nothing.
If we do nothing for this little boy and many others like him and his sister, it will be a stain on our conscience for years, if not for ever.
I am proud of this little boy as many in his position are on the streets doing bad things to support their families.
We must not put these young people out to sea and expect them to swim or sink.
I hope that you will investigate to see how help can be given to this and other families in dire need.
I would like to make a donation but would prefer to remain anonymous. Please tell me where to send it.
Regards,
– J.C.
Dear J.C.,
Thanks for writing your letter all the way from Britain.
Sometimes there are more questions than answers but, if truth be told, many of our readers have risen to the occasion to help this family and, by extension, families across the island which are trying desperately to make ends meet.
This case, although a very serious one written by a studious, intelligent 12-year-old boy (who just wanted to help his mother), is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to dealing with situations of this kind.
There’s the case with a family of nine where only the mother is working as a labourer.
The father was asked to leave the house after sexually molesting his own child and this family must now fend for themselves.
Then there is the case of the woman with five children whose father was murdered over a year ago. She was placed on welfare for only six months, then had this sole means of support pulled from under her.
What next? She was left with no food or money to feed her children.
What did she do about it? She tried committing suicide five weeks ago – obviously tired of the pressures of everyday life.
This is reality and these are only two of the many cases that must be dealt with weeklyas we seek to feed and help clothe families.
The Good Book says that we will always have the poor among us. There is no real eradication of poverty on the face of the earth, but yes, there are still many who can make a meaningful contribution to and investment in the lives of those who, for various reasons, find themselves at the mercy of Government or the society.
When a 12-year-old can put pen to paper, unknown to his mother, and write such a heartfelt letter, then those with a heart will reach out to help. Albeit, there are still those who will ask the question: “Is this for real?” They will dismiss the matter, roll over on their beds and simply go to sleep.
Again, thanks for your offer to help. I will be in touch with you.
– CHRISTINE
