At 23, Sarah (not her real name), a former resident of Raffa House, has overcome the odds to graduate from the University of the Southern Caribbean with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
From a childhood marked by instability to preparing for a career in healthcare, Sarah’s journey reflects the life-changing impact of sustained support for vulnerable children.
During her years at the home, access to donated computers and educational support helped lay the foundation for her success.
“Growing up wasn’t always easy for me,” Sarah said. “But I always tried my best to stay focused on my education and make something out of myself.”
Her success is being celebrated not only by the staff of Raffa House, but also by the home’s long-standing corporate partner, Brightstar Lottery (Brightstar).
For more than a decade, Brightstar has provided and maintained the home’s computer lab through its flagship community initiative, the After School Advantage (ASA) programme.
Over the years, approximately 115 children have been cared for by Raffa House for Girls and its partner home for boys, Jairah House. Many of these children entered the system after experiencing trauma, instability or unsafe living conditions.
Its administrators say access to education and technology remains critical in helping children build their futures. The partnership with Brightstar ensures that the children have access to the digital tools needed for modern education.
“We live in a technological world,” said Rachael Byng-Lashley, chairperson of Raffa House. “Children must be computer literate to function efficiently at school. During the pandemic, this became even more critical because online learning was the only option.”
The Brightstar-supported ASA lab has enabled students such as Sarah to complete homework, research projects, School-Based Assessments (SBAs), online classes and university applications.
Just as importantly, the computers have increased access to counselling sessions and life-skills development.
Byng-Lashley said the home has seen several young people successfully transition into sixth form, university and the workforce—achievements that serve as powerful reminders of what consistent support can accomplish.
For Sarah, her early exposure to digital literacy proved essential once she entered university.
“Almost everything is online now—assignments, lectures, research, presentations and communication,” she said. “Because I already had that exposure, transitioning into higher education was easier for me.”
She said the environment at Raffa House, along with the ongoing support from Brightstar, also helped her build confidence and independence during a period of uncertainty in her life.
“It helped me learn how to figure things out on my own, communicate better, and stay connected to opportunities and resources,” she said. “I remember Brightstar interacting with us and always making us feel seen. Knowing that people cared enough to invest in us and our future really meant a lot to me and motivated me to do better.”
“There were many moments when I doubted myself and wondered if I would ever reach this point,” Sarah continued. “Graduating with my nursing degree meant everything to me. So being able to finally walk across that stage was not just about getting a degree, but proving to myself that despite everything, I made it.”
For Byng-Lashley and the support team at Raffa House, Sarah’s university graduation represents exactly why sustained investment in children’s homes matters.
“This is a momentous occasion for us,” she said. “It demonstrates that besides hardship there is hope, and that no matter one’s background, one can fulfil his or her dreams.”
However, she noted that children’s homes continue to operate under significant financial and social pressures, making long-term corporate partnerships increasingly important.
“There is no better investment than supporting children in care, because in doing so you are helping to shape the outcome of the future,” she said. “We operate under extremely challenging conditions, and the support we receive is never enough to meet all the needs.”
She credited partnerships such as the one with Brightstar for helping to ensure continuity in education, mentorship and opportunities for vulnerable youth.
“Any assistance, whether financial or in-kind, makes a real difference,” she said. “We are deeply grateful to Brightstar for their continued support over the years. It goes a long way towards ensuring that homes like ours can continue to survive and serve the children who depend on them.”
Years after first sitting in the Raffa House ASA computer lab completing assignments, Sarah is now preparing to enter the healthcare profession—carrying with her the belief that small acts of kindness can change the course of a child’s life.
This article was contributed by public relations firm Sandra Welch-Farrell & Company. Sarah is a pseudonym used to protect her identity.
