The St Joseph’s Convent Young Leaders 2006 have finally completed their project to build a house for the Rambaran family.

It became their home on December 22,  2006, when Rena and her five children excitedly moved into the comfortable, fully furnished three-bedroom house they can now call theirs at Bamboo Settlement #2.

This would never have become a reality if the students had listened to many adults who tried to dampen their enthusiasm by saying that they were setting out to do too big a task, a dream that could not be realised.

Well, these youngsters have shown that all it takes is will power, determination, hard work, the sacrifice of their time and energies, a lot of faith in overcoming the difficulties and the generous help of some adults who are prepared to give unconditionally, to make the “impossible” possible.

Rena Rambaran and three of her five children

Old house

New house

The students have also applied what they learned from the example set by the school – when giving, be magnanimous and give all you can.

As a result the Rambarans not only have a house structure, they have been given a home beautifully decorated and fully furnished with all that is needed to live a comfortable, dignified life.

The girls saw what was needed and their hearts were touched – this family must not only survive, but be given the opportunity to have the basic things the students themselves have in their own homes.

A few days before Christmas, the house was cleaned of all the usual dust and debris left by the construction and beautifully decorated for Christmas with a tree, crèche, lights and ornaments by a group of about 30 students of the present Form Four. They had not been involved in the project but felt moved to lend a hand.

Through this project the students have learned to think big and not limit themselves in giving, because every individual needs to be treated with the dignity with which each human being has been vested.

In this giving they have learned that there should be no self-seeking either, no giving in order to get.

The students have no doubt that the Rambaran family is grateful for all that has been done for them, at no moment was anything taken for granted. Their gratitude was expressed not only in words but shown in many concrete ways.

Even if it might have been perceived that gratitude was not forthcoming, the students would have completed this project, with the clear conviction of the very important part they played in shaping the future for this very deserving family, In giving themselves to the service of these six people, they too were rewarded with a great joy and have benefited in many ways that will shape their own future.

The Young Leaders 2006 of St Joseph’s Convent, Port of Spain wish to thank the building contractors, the corporate citizens and individuals who donated money, building materials, furnishings and household items and the adults who guided them in this project.

Without their support this activity would not have been possible. The students have learned how to start something with nothing and to persevere in its completion, little by little, till the task is complete – a lesson for many.

Thank you everyone, for what has been achieved for this family and the students themselves.