The Mothers' Union Children's Home at Pouchet Street, San Fernando, has at last become a reality, with a formal opening on January 31, 2001.
For many years, The Mothers' Union of the Diocese of Trinidad and Tobago had the desire to do something in a very tangible way, not as individuals, branches or regions but at diocesan level, to fulfil the fourth and fifth objectives of their organisation, namely: "To provide conditions in society favourable to stable family life and the protection of children and to help those whose family life has met with adversity."
Today, the dream which dates back to 1985, has become a reality. At that time the MU's Social Action Committee chaired by Mariko Abdulah wife of then Bishop Clive Abdulah was moved to tears by startling facts concerning the abuse of children, and so agreed to change plans to obtain a half-way house for women with problems, to a home for temporarily displaced children.
The purpose of the new Home is to temporarily house disadvantaged children in an atmosphere that is nurturing and affords security and comfort thereby enabling the child to function with some semblance of normalcy. Care and shelter will be provided for up to fifteen children (18 months to 12 years) who have been referred by the Social Services and Family Unit of the Ministry of Social and Community Development.
In today's world of rampant incestuous relationships, the Home will provide a safe haven for children who have to be removed from their homes because of incest or any form of sexual or physical abuse, and/or children whose parents are incarcerated or hospitalised, up to a maximum period of four months after which time it is hoped that the child will be returned to his/her home or a suitable place of abode.
Many trials, tribulations and setbacks were experienced by the group which started off by looking to purchase either a building or a piece of land to erect a suitable Home, which was difficult to find in the north. One day, three M.U. stalwarts, Joan Jones, Esme Romeo and Esla Crawford (the current president of the Diocesan M.U.), were chatting with their chaplain, Dean Knolly Clarke, who was at that time rector of St Paul's in San Fernando. The Dean asked why was it necessary for the home to be in the north, and generously offered a spot at Pouchet Street in San Fernando subject to Vestry approval.
Up to the present time, the completed Home remains unoccupied although it has been visited by the Director of Family Services, Eunice Gittens, who is quite satisfied with the building.
The keep-back, explains Crawford, is as "a result of the Children's Act 2000 requiring that a Registration Form for Non-Governmental Organisations be submitted, and only when it is approved and registration granted will the licence to operate be obtained. Without this licence, no help will be forthcoming from government down the line."
" Once the licence is approved, we are aiming by the end of May to have the first influx of youngsters. While we can wait on certain things, what we cannot wait for we will try to get as we want to open in May." At which time, incidentally, the Friends of the Mothers' Union will do their bit for the Home with a gala fundraising Mothers' Day Coffee Morning on Friday May 11 at the Royal Prince of Wales Lodge, 7 Alexandra Street, St Clair, from 10 a.m to 2 p.m. for a donation of $25.00 per person.
The Mothers' Union, says Crawford, is appealing to corporate or individual sponsors as "we definitely need food, financial help, and since Family Services want individual cupboards for each child, these are still to be installed. The responsibility for day to day management will be entrusted to a House Mother assisted by a care-giver and members of the M.U. Doctors will be on call at all times for routine medical services as well as to deal with emergencies. The Anglican clergy and lay ministers of St Paul's and neighbouring parishes will visit on a regular basis to attend to the children's spiritual needs."
Money, or a lack of it, remains the overriding problem for the new Board of Management: Bishop Calvin Bess - ex Officio, Dean Knolly Clarke, Canon Francis Caesar, Esla Crawford, Mavis Carrington, Joan Jones, Simeon Bobb, Roger Bartley, Dr Bridget Elcock, Elsa Ferguson, Diana Flax, William Henry, Nesta Patrick and Ann Thornhill.
Therefore, Account No 970-123-774-6 has been opened at the Royal Bank of Trinidad and Tobago on High Street, San Fernando, where donations can be credited towards the running and upkeep of the Home.