The “SHARING IS CARING INITIATIVE” St. Monica’s Children's Home Back to School In-style 2019
"The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality, and the second is to say thank you. In between the leader is a servant".- Max DePree
This philosophy can be said to be the concept of the “Sharing is Caring Initiative” which is the brainchild of Mr. Robert Douglas, a past student of Clarendon College. The reality defined by Mr. Douglas was that wards of the state needed to be loved, appreciated, and supported. This is being facilitated by the St. Monica’s Children's Home in Chapelton, Clarendon. This year’s event was dubbed the “St. Monica’s Children's Home Back to School In-style, under the Sharing is Caring Initiative.” Mr. Douglas could not have done this alone, and so he got much needed help from other past students of Clarendon College, along with a few friends and associates. The journey to the institution was short and rough as the road leading to the institution is in need of dire repair. However, that did not break the spirits of the volunteers. Upon arrival it seemed as if the children were expecting us, because they stopped what they were doing and gathered under their assembly shed. We were greeted by the security personnel on duty, who collected our information. Shortly after that we were able to meet with the children and their supervisor, who greeted us with a warm and friendly smile. Some of the children quickly hugged, and started conversations with us, saying that they remembered, and missed us. In all things we must include the presence of God, which was done in the form of a prayer and a song. After the devotion was completed, the children gathered their chairs, and Mr. Douglas was invited to take the floor. He greeted them, and shared a few words of encouragement. Not long after, Romel shared with them the story of the Donkey and the Well, which taught them to be resilient, not allowing the odds of their individual lives to define them, but to make adversity steps toward victory. The moral of the story - “There are times in life when it seems as though we are that donkey - trapped and feeling as though life is trying to bury us. Don't go under, but continue to find a way to overcome your challenges one at a time until you too emerge victorious.'' It is said that “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” And so after the life lessons, they were entertained with a fascinating game of Apples, Peaches, and Plums by two volunteers, Rohaneshe and Rushell. While the children were having fun the other volunteers were busy sharing cake and ice cream. After a few minutes the game ended and the children were served their treat which tantalized their taste buds. Later, they all received a snack pack which they took graciously.
But what could St. Monica's Children's Home Back to School In-style be without school supplies? Each child was called to collect their brand new school bag which was packed with books, pens, pencils and other personalized items for them. Their faces were all smiles. One of them remarked “mi did want one a dem bag here eno, and look now mi get it. Thank you Jesus, mi love mi new bag.“ This made us laugh. Those who were gone on holiday were not left out, because their goodies were put away safely for them. The children were all smiles as they showed each other what they had received. The second responsibility of a leader is to say thank you. Therefore, Mr Douglas thanked the children for being a good host. In the end, there was a big surprise. The volunteers and workers of the home didn't see this coming ...their individual gifts. They were all presented with gift bags from Mr. Douglas for their continued willingness and contribution, and for making St. Monica's Back to School In-style 2019 a success. Thereafter, a vote of thanks was expressed by one of the residents of the home, who thanked us for putting a bigger smile on their faces for back to school. In the end the leader is a servant. Mr Douglas and his team continue to be servants of the less fortunate by putting smiles on their faces, changing the perception of the residents of the home by ensuring that they felt well appreciated and loved. Until next time continue to be the leader who is a servant of the people.
Written by: Romel McKenzie Clarendon College Head Boy 2018-2019
Volunteers from left to right: Mrs Jasmine Donaldson- Fearon, Rushell Reid, Tishiana Fearon (Clarendon College Head Girl 2018-2019), Rohaneshe Boothe ( Clarendon College Senior Prefect 2018- 2019) & Romel McKenzie (Clarendon College Head Boy 2018- 2019).
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