Reverend Benaiah and wife Georgia Simpson-Benaiah.
Avia Ustanny, Freelance Writer
IT'S THE last day before the mid-term break in March begins. At the Kingdom Academy in Moneague, St. Ann, around 70 students are gathered in the school's auditorium, watching a movie. It's the day to let their 'hair down'. Their school co-principal, Georgia Benaiah, is with them.
If her colleagues in the insurance industry could see this young woman now, they perhaps would be pole-axed with disbelief.
Georgia Simpson-Benaiah, was just a few years ago, a manager of GG Dyer Insurance Company and she has worked as a consultant at executive levels with other agencies, too. She is also one of only two female Fellows of the Chartered Insurance Institute of London in the island. But, today, the smart-suit and heels have been replaced with casual wear and soft bottomed shoes for lots of walking.
In the cool hills of Moneague, Kingdom Academy for children aged three to 12 is run by herself, her husband Reverend Benaiah and their sons (Georgia's sons by marriage to Benaiah who was previously married and has six children) who have also left their jobs to work with children here, and in Trench Town and Rema. Their house in Moneague, they say, will soon be turned into a boarding facility for young children. "We have space for 36 children, though there is a possibility that we can accommodate more," they later tell us.
The Benaiah's have lots of space in their heart for the young.
Reverend Benaiah, in 1998, changed his name from Ridgard to 'Benaiah' which means 'Son of God'. This, to represent life changing decisions being taken then. Along with Georgia, who he also married in that year, they have abandoned traditional careers and business to work in the inner-city of Kingston and also run the school in hills.
Pastor Hopeton Ridgard, as he was known before, was a businessman a real estate broker, hardware dealer, employment agency, among other ventures. In 1998 he gave it all up for social work, in which he was soon joined by his new wife, Georgia Simpson. "Like others we were concerned about Jamaica's future," Rev. Benaiah said.
Unlike others, however, they decided to do something about it, sacrificing all their resources along the way. This past year, they have spent about $400,000 of their own money to supplement the budget of the Kingdom Academy.
The Benaiahs, working with other concerned colleagues, started Visions of Hope, in the Matthews Lane community an outreach to children and community feeding programme. The programme also includes one-day health clinics and educational classes. In a homework programme, children are assisted with this chore and their school work. "Our hope is to re-educate the entire community and provide them with some hope and a lot of love," says Benaiah.
A similar project is being attempted in Rema, in association with Betty Ann Blaine's 'Hear the Children Cry' project. The resources, so far, have come mainly from the Benaiah's own pockets. They have sold land, a house and have disposed of other assets. So far, they are pinching the pennies. "One or two persons have tripped in, but here is no regular income. We are existing primarily by faith and God's grace."
In the inner-city, their work with children is an uphill struggle. "They (the community) are fully betrayed by society at all levels. Most feel they have no hope and resign themselves. It is true that some love the life there, because they do not have to take responsibility for rent, water and other utilities, but there are others who would love to be shown a different way," said Reverend Benaiah.
What are their chances of success? Georgia Benaiah opines, "As a family we have taken a path that can make a difference, as small as it may be."
She wishes others would do likewise, even in a smaller way. She said, "We need more persons to spend time with the children, noting their need for more volunteers. For just three hours, one day each week, this could make us much more meaningful and effective in terms of at risk children. Each person can make a little difference. We must recognise that our society is disintegrating around us."
Georgia told Outlook that in the corporate world, she still sees a passive response to what happens in society. "That expression of private corporate citizenry needs to be more integrated in company policy. In just the same way that universities and hospitals are doing it, corporations should structure opportunities for social involvement in such a way that members of staff can participate in social development. If this is neglected, society will disintegrate around them."
It is not an easy road down which she has travelled with her new family.
"I go into a Jekyll and Hyde phase. Some days I feel better than when I was surrounded by the cynicism and avarice of the corporate world. You feel you are making a difference. Then, the time comes when you think, what if my peers should see me now, dressed in jeans and sneakers?
"Also, when you look at some of the parents, their attitudes and the attitude of children (you feel down-hearted). I have been draped up by a 12-year-old who refused to leave the class when she was asked to leave it for making a disruption. My husband has had stones thrown at him and has been told bad words."
The process of gaining the trust of the community is complex.
However, the executive-turned social worker is still determined to continue.
"There are those around us who do not understand our crazy pursuit."
She admits that she has also been affected by the financial constraints. Her income as an insurance executive was not small.
But, she concludes, "The positive effects for what I am doing now will go way beyond my own lifestyle. It will set a base for improvement and change in society. I have also seen much growth in maturity on my own part.
"I am more sensitive, more caring and more giving. It has also expanded my view of life and my frame of references. I am less isolated, more compassionate. I recognise up close that the conditions that children live, and the choices which are presented to them are what make them into the people that they become."
