Child who walked into State care cops 10 CSEC subjects

When her mother died in 2019, Melissa* was only 12 years old; her father had passed five years prior.

After bouncing around living with relatives, one day she walked to the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA) office, hoping to save her future - which she did. On Thursday, the now 18-year-old was awarded for educational achievement after earning nine CSEC subjects and one City & Guilds qualification.

"I'm feeling thrilled. I'm excited, and I finally feel like my hard work is paying off. Although I was happy when I got the results, this feels like the moment I am truly celebrating all I've gone through," said Melissa, who was one of the recipients at the CPFSA's Educational Achievement Awards, held at the Terra Nova Hotel in St Andrew. Melissa, who was born in Kingston, said instability followed her early.

"My mom moved to St Catherine with her babyfather, and there were a lot of ups and downs. When my mom died I had to move back to Kingston," she said. "I was living with my uncle but I had some behavioural issues. Them couldn't manage me because I wouldn't listen. It was a tough time for me dealing with so much from childhood."

"After that I had to stay with my brother, but he didn't know nothing about raising a girl child," she added.

With nowhere stable to turn and not wanting to burden her siblings, Melissa made a decision few children her age would think of.

"I decided the best thing for me was to go into a childcare facility. So in 2022, I walked down to Duke Street [in downtown Kingston] to the CPFSA and told them that I was struggling," she said. "My whole intention was to go there, do my schoolwork and leave with an education to be successful."

While in State care, a moment at the 2023 Children's Summit stayed with her.

"The theme was 'Beat the odds and chart your destiny,'" she said, breaking down in tears. "And I said I couldn't make my childhood decide what I become." Melissa admitted that there were moments when she felt like giving up, or worse, ending her life.

"The rough childhood I had and the future I wanted, that was my motivation. I realised I didn't want an adult life marked by those experiences," she said. "I had people who were my backbone, especially my sister.We will have our disagreements, but I'm happy I have her."

Her sister, Monique*, was the only one Melissa told when she decided to go into State care.

"I agreed with her when she told me because I was also raised in State care. Growing up in childcare made me who I am, and I am proud that my sister came out on top," said Monique.

Melissa's story struck a chord with those in the room at the awards ceremony, including former ward of the State Anthony Harriott, who delivered a testimonial during the ceremony.

"Her story really gave me chills because it sounded so familiar to what I've experienced," Harriott said. "In my speech, I told them that our first chapter is the same. All of us came into care the same way, whether through foster care, adoption, or CPFSA just picked us up."

"The second chapter of our story, we have the ability to write it in our own words," Harriott said. "I charged them to take the pen and write that story."

Harriott, now a sales consultant at IMCA Jamaica Limited, said education was the turning point for him and can be the same for others.

"Our situation, our background doesn't hinder us," he said. "We do have the ability and the strength to persevere and to be resilient." He also pushed back against the stigma that State care facilities are a place for the hopeless.

"'Homes' are different. It's a community, a home, a warm blanket that every child needs to thrive. That's what CPFSA offers," he said.

*Names changed to protect identity