When one thinks of the Bahamas, they most likely think of paradise, beaches, and expensive vacations. In Nassau, there is a special area hidden from many called the Elizabeth Estates Children’s Home. The Elizabeth Estates Children’s Home provides education and shelter for children growing up without parents. Established in 1992, the main mission is to give children a life worth living. Because of the work done by the children’s home, more Bahamian adults are thriving in society instead of living on the streets.
I had the privilege of visiting the orphanage with a small mission group in March 2016. It is an experience I will never forget. My group brought hundreds of dollars worth of toys, school supplies, and other necessities in suit cases. With the children, we made bracelets and decorated T-shirts. It was obvious how essential the home and programs provided were to the children. As one of the home director’s said, “These children are relying on us for survival, education, and more. They deserve only the best, and every gift given to us goes directly into giving these children a better life.” The people that work at the shelter are unbelievably grateful for every donation and helping hand given.
The Elizabeth Estates Children’s Home is now in trouble. In October 2016, Hurricane Matthew hit a large portion of the western hemisphere. Unfortunately, the Bahamas were one of the areas hit the hardest. According to Florence Pratt, the home’s director, the orphanage was left “devastated.” The roof was reduced to shambles. The classrooms, including the few computers, were demolished. Only around half of their materials and supplies could be salvaged. The only sense of a home that the children had is now ruined. They desperately need our help. You can go to their GoFundMe, where you can donate directly to the orphanage and save the children.
