Mother of 4 pleads for help

THE world observed Children's Day on Friday last, and the Children’s Authority, in a release, called on the public “to re-imagine a better future for every child.”

But for parents like Tauriel Kelly, it’s difficult to imagine a bright future for their children right now. When the country was placed on lockdown in March as a result of the covid19 pandemic, Kelly was faced with the decision to either go out to work leaving her four sons alone at home or leave her job and stay home with them. She chose the latter.

“I worked as a custodian with EPL, a cleaning company,” 30-year-old Kelly told Newsday.

“My boys are ten, eight, five and two. I have not been working since March because I had nowhere to leave them.” She said she tried doing different things from home to earn money but that didn’t work out. They are now forced to make do with the public assistance she receives.

Prior to the pandemic, Kelly rented a small apartment. But with the loss of her income, she was forced to give it up and move to an unfinished room in Arima owned by her sister.

“But she (her sister) needs it so I have to move soon. I have no idea where we will go.”

Because they had no access to devices when school reopened in September, the children were unable to do online classes. On November 13 however, the three older boys received tablets from the Rotary Club of St Augustine West and the Scotia Bank Foundation.

“I’m happy and grateful for the tablets. We have access to wifi from next door, so at least now they can do their school work.”

Kelly started a GoFundMe account in order to raise funds to take care of her children, but “So far only one person has donated.”

Anyone willing to help Tauriel Kelly can visit the GoFundMe page at fundmetnt.com/campaign/mother-of-boys-building-assistance-for-our-beautiful-family or call 347-3847.