In 1997 one of our community, Fr. Roland Dessine, started the first children's home in the Diocese of Mandeville, Our lady of Hope. The house, owned by the diocese, was in disrepair and as a result, sat vaccant in Black River. With the help of volunteers, the house was restored and 12 children were welcomed into their new home. "Our goal," says Fr. Roland, "was to create a home for these children; not an institution. We wanted to provide them with a family home atmosphere."

For several years The Daughters of Mary directed the home and when they were recalled to Canada in July 2001, Fr. Roland became the full time director. In January 2002 the Assumption Sisters of Nairobi sent two sisters to help and today they are assisted by Jamaican staff members as they oversee the well being of 34 children.

Education in Jamaica begins with Basic School at the age of three. At six years of age the children begin Primary School until they are 10 or 11 where they then move on to High School. Alongside our home in Black River is a facility for Basic and Primary school run by the Assumption Sisters of Nairobi. When the children are ready they make the leap, and the daily 40 minute ride, to our High School in Bull Savannah.

Around the home, the children are taught responsibility through chores such as cleaning up after meals and caring for the livestock owned by the home. You will find pictures of Our Lady of Hope and the children who reside there in the Photo Gallery section of our web site. You can also visit Our Lady of Hope's web site by clicking here.