Recognition Chest Of Hope Current Projects A Message From the Founder “When people think of the Caribbean, they usually think of popular vacation spots with tropical beaches. Seldom do we hear or think about the plight of children in the Caribbean. An in-depth study conducted by UNICEF concluded that child sexual abuse has become a domineering problem in the eastern Caribbean region. The study has, in fact, determined that there is more than one issue plaguing abused children of the eastern Caribbean There is a social problem escalating in the eastern Caribbean. This issue is being perpetrated first by adults who are sexually abusing children, and secondly by adults who are denying and refusing to take action about the events Most of the child abuse is occurring with older men and girls, but the abuse of young boys is also an increasing and significant problem. The study showed that while some women abuse children, women's role in the social problem is mainly failing to protect minors” (written by Jasmine Fatourechi, 13, is an eighth-grader at Niguel Hills Middle School in Laguna Niguel. She wants to be a journalist when she grows up.) And so Trinidad and Tobago is no exception, I recall on one of my visit(s) when I was entering a popular eatery late at night and saw an open umbrella outside the entrance, This struck me as odd because it was not raining, as I looked closely I discovered a teenage boy underneath rolled up with nothing but the umbrella to protect him from the harsh reality of his existence. What moved me deeply was the fact that passersby were seemingly oblivious of his existence, and I later came to realize that this was a way of life for many adolescents in the country. Presently, there is a dire need for transitional housing, Lack of transitional housing has meant that an increasingly great number of young people become homeless and destitute We are deeply concerned for the rights and well being of the young people in Trinidad & Tobago. To meet the needs of the youth at risk, we are establishing transitional and residential children's homes in Trinidad & Tobago in areas with the greatest need. I invite you to join us in support of our work to provide help today and Hope for the future of our young people. No donation is too small Namaste Merlyn Pittman .