Amitabh Sharma, Features Coordinator

Akailia Brown (right) clings to Loraine Lowe (her 'adopted' mother) while André Lowe looks on. Loraine and sister Ruth have 'adopted' eight children despite the fact that they are not earning a steady income. - PHOTO BY Amitabh Sharma

Akailia Brown was abandoned by her mother when she was born, left to the mercy of the elements in a by-lane. The little girl would have died if it was not for sisters Ruth and Loraine Lowe who took her into their house.

The Lowe sisters, who have eight children of their own, did not think twice about giving a home to this little girl when they found her on their doorsteps.

"We had to take her in the house," said Ruth. "We could not put her at the roadside."

In the community of Rome in Kencot, Kingston, where getting a meal is a struggle, families are taking a proactive role in taking care of the children who reside there.

The Lowe sisters are trying their best to send Akailia to school come September. "We are facing a lot of problems," Ruth said. "She (Akailia) does not have birth papers, where do we get that from."

An alien

On paper, Akailia does not exist, "She is an alien, she does not exist on this Earth," Loraine remarked.

"There are so many fatherless and motherless children in the community," said Karen McKenzie who heads a parenting group. "We try and see that they eat and go to school."

In the community, which is violence-prone, McKenzie said the least they can do is ensure that the youngsters have some hope. "We step in to be mothers or fathers to these children, so they have something to look forward to."

Most of the inhabitants of Rome do not have regular jobs but try their best to take care of the children, McKenzie informed.

A struggle

McKenzie has two children who she takes care of. "Their mother left the island to find work and has not returned," she informed. "I have four of my own and it is a struggle to take care of them."

"I am sending them to school, it would be unfair that they sit at home and my children go to school," McKenzie said. Teenage pregnancy is another problem facing the community. "Guns and violence are not in our hands to control," McKenzie said. "With our efforts, at least, we can try to cut that down."

Tasharine Findley, 17, is pregnant. She walked up to the Lowes house and sought refuge. Her father died four years ago and her mother reportedly left last year. Tasharine has no idea where she went. "Mi nuh know," she said, her face devoid of any emotion.

For this teenager, who wants to become a teacher, 'home' is a rundown shack with a caving roof. "She has to huddle in a corner when it rains," said Lorraine.

Hopeful

Lorraine and Ruth, who have eight children of their own, do not have regular jobs. "We work part time and fend for the family," they said.

With the household not having a regular income, Tasharine sometimes has to skip her visit to the doctor but, she is hopeful. "I will study further and become a teacher," she said.

McKenzie said the community members are struggling with providing food for these children. "If someone could sponsor us rations, we can ensure the children will not go hungry all the time," she pointed out.

She said that despite the struggle, it is the love for children that is driving them. "A child should not pay for what the parents have done," she said. "When they grow up, they will remember what we said and taught them.

amitabh.sharma@gleanerjm.com

POSITIVE Parenting