The Church of the Nazarene in Arima, Trinidad and Tobago, officially launched the child development center, “Center of Hope,” in late 2024. 

The Center of Hope is a space primarily created to facilitate the integration of children from Spanish-speaking migrant communities into primary schools in Trinidad and Tobago. With 16 children currently enrolled in the program, this event marked a milestone in the local church’s efforts to address one of the most urgent needs of these communities.

Political and economic crises in some countries have significantly increased migration to Trinidad and Tobago. Migrant children face numerous challenges, including language barriers, lack of documentation, and limited educational opportunities. Although the government of Trinidad and Tobago allows minors under 18 to access public schools, many children are unable to benefit due to documentation issues, leaving them in a vulnerable situation.

When the church in Arima began offering Spanish-language worship services in 2019, the church dreamed of meeting the educational needs of local children. Before the pandemic, the church had already made its facilities available to a local agency to establish a space dedicated to children. Today, this dream has become a reality thanks to the work of missionaries Timothy and María Nelly Bertrand, assigned to the Trinidad and Tobago District, and local program coordinator Jennifer Leach.

The Child Development Center takes a holistic approach to addressing the full range of children’s needs. In addition to providing quality education, the program includes activities focused on spiritual development, Christian education, and cocurricular learning in art, music, physical education, values, and character formation.

A typical day at the center includes:

• Morning worship
• Classes focused on English, Social Studies, Science, and Mathematics
• Snack breaks
• A full midday meal

The center’s team comprises tutors and volunteer assistants, including retired teachers with experience in the local school system. Volunteers also help with meal preparation and co-curricular activities.

The community’s response has been very positive. Many children, aged five to 12, had never experienced a formal academic environment before.

At the first parents’ meeting, held two weeks after classes began, attendees expressed gratitude and enthusiasm. Several shared how their children had started singing songs in English at home, demonstrating the progress achieved in a short time.

The Center of Hope seeks to provide formal education and create a nurturing and supportive environment where children can reach their full potential. Active collaboration with parents is key to achieving this goal and ensuring that every child receives the necessary support in all areas of his or her development.

--Church of the Nazarene Mesoamerica