Ministry of Health & Environment

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Bringing cheer and vitality to Martha's House at 1E North Street will be the main focus of this year's Child Month's Action Day, May 16.

Designated as the national activity for what is best described as the child equivalent of Labour Day, the work planned will see the special home to some 28 children living with HIV/AIDS, ranging from ages 23 months to 14 years, being transformed into more of a fun house.

Action Day is one of several activities organised by the National Child Month Committee (NCMC) during this month to educate the public about the needs of children under the theme: Our Children: Today's Investment - Tomorrow's Gain.

Chairman of the Action Day Planning Committee, Vivienne DaCosta, told JIS News that the objective of the day is to make Martha's House more child friendly for its "wonderful occupants".

Outlining the plans for the day, which incidentally have commenced in earnest prior to Action Day to ensure completion, she informed that a swing set, comprising of two swings and a seesaw, would be installed in a tiny area on the compound. "We are going to paint the area around the swing set so that it is bright and child friendly," she said.

In fact, where there is now drab concrete wall space, Mrs. DaCosta, who is a regular visitor to the home, said it will be painted with cheerful artwork including biblical passages. Flowers will also be planted in the front area of the house.

Beautification activities will extend to the interior of the house, with the mounting of appropriate pictures and exercise mats in the stimulation room, so that the children can roll about and play on the floor. Pictures will also be hung in the sitting room area.

"We also noticed that the house has a patio but there is no furniture, so we are getting patio furniture for them," the Chairman said, adding that bins will be provided to store toys.

To include the thrust of Labour Day this year, which focuses on food security for the nation under the theme: 'Eat what we grow.Grow what we eat', a vegetable garden will be introduced at the home, which will be maintained by the children as well as the gardener. "We will plant things like callaloo, tomato, pak choi and sweet pepper and the area will be secured with a picket fence," Mrs. DaCosta informed.

Members of staff from the sponsors of the event, RBTT Bank Jamaica Limited, will be on hand to assist with the activities. The bank will also provide artists to decorate the walls. "The children of the home will also participate in the day's activities, doing what they can to assist especially in the gardening," the Chairman said.

To kick of the day, an opening ceremony will take place at 11:00 a.m., with Minister of Health and Environment, Rudyard Spencer, expected to bring greetings. Children's Advocate, Mary Clarke and Patron of Child Month and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of GraceKennedy, Douglas Orane, are also expected to attend.

Martha's House, which commenced operations in April 2006, forms part of the Mustard Seed Communities, which is operated by Roman Catholic priest, Father Gregory Ramkissoon. The Mustard Seed Communities have provided food, shelter and respite for more than 400 children living with HIV/AIDS, severe mental or physical disabilities for more than 30 years.

The Action Day Planning Committee is a sub-committee of the National Child Month Committee.

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