Minister of Social Care Constituency Empowerment and Community Development, Steve Blackett. (FP)
Minister of Social Care, Constituency Empowerment and Community Development, Steve Blackett, has lauded the Robinson Smiles and Hope Inc., for the “tremendous relief” they continue to provide for vulnerable and disadvantaged children in the USA and the Caribbean.
Speaking at the organisation’s annual All White Charity Soirée at the Barbados Museum and Historical Society, Mr. Blackett explained that while adults may be able to cope with life’s many changes, for children it can be an “unimaginable quandary”.
“The impact of such unforeseen circumstances can wreak havoc on their young, impressionable lives and without appropriate and timely interventions, their futures can be all but destroyed. But thank goodness that God seems to have given these young ones an extra dose of resilience, as they are often able to recover from their misfortunes.
“Despite this resilience, however, we must remain cognizant of the fact that a child’s life can be likened to wet cement – whatever falls on it will leave an impression. We are more than grateful that Robinson Smiles and Hopes Inc. is endeavouring to make those impressions positive, as we all know that impressions, good or bad, can last a lifetime,” he stated.
Founded in 2008, Robinson Smiles and Hopes Inc. assists with emergency medical expenses for children with rare diseases. It also ensures that disadvantaged children receive an education, school supplies, clothing, food items, and toys.
Mr. Blackett disclosed that the organisation had also implemented a nutrition programme – So All May Eat (SAME), which was established to help the sick, shut-ins, and persons who have experienced job loss or lack the basic necessity of food, to be stabilised for at least 90 days.
The Social Care Minister thanked the organisation for its “strategic alliance” and continued efforts to render assistance to children at home and abroad, in their time of need.
“I am confident that together, the Foundation, my Ministry and other caring persons like yourselves can help our children, the future of this country, the future of this world, to unlock their potential, while we watch as simple acts of kindness and generosity encourage them to bloom and blossom into productive members of society,” he remarked.