Moniek Robinson: Burke Road native, Old Harbour High head girl moving with purpose

This was the reality of Moniek Robinson when she was very young. The panicked child was simply caught up in the all too familiar situation of being made to pay the price of a family member’s past transgressions. Miraculously, the gun did not go off and she lived to tell the horrible tale but it came at a high price psychologically.

Robinson, who is a Christian living by faith, said that despite all the challenges of poverty and violence that saturated her formative years, she is still able to not only give thanks for her blessings but to do her utmost to uplift others every single day of her young life.

This 18-year-old is the poster child for tenacity. Though born into very humble beginnings, she has managed to achieve more in her still youthful existence than some grown seniors have accomplished in their well-seasoned lives.

Indeed, Robinson who hails from the often troubled community of Burke Road, is the current head girl at Old Harbour High School, the captain of the school’s challenge quiz team, past president of the Sixth Form Association, president of the ISCF Club and Student Councilor, just to name a few of her long list of accomplishments.

Incredibly with the plethora of activities that are on her plate, she managed to cop 11 CSECs and 5 CAPE subjects with more to come. This is truly remarkable considering that she has had to contend with health challenges throughout most of her young life that at times had her sidelined away from the activities she enjoys as well as school.

For context and emphasis about Moniek’s struggle to overcome against significant odds, she has been hospitalized several times, missing out on huge chunks of her education because she suffers from both anemia and epilepsy which made simple everyday tasks difficult.

“Yes, I am often not well. In the past I had to miss the majority of the school year but God is always with me and He is able, so I do what I can and leave the rest in His hands,” said the Christian devotee who got baptized in 2017 and is a member of the Voice of Restoration Ministries where she is a budding exhorter.

“An exhorter means that basically I’m being trained and developed into a preacher. Apart from being a leader and an officer, it is preparation for a higher calling” she added.

Being divinely inspired and keen to reach out and help her fellow man, has led the teenager to establish her own non-profit organization called Hope Charity where she attends to the needs of those less fortunate, primarily the elderly.

“From I was small I have always been exposed to hard life but I personally don’t like to see people around me bearing hunger. So as long as I can make a difference or a change, I’m going to help. You never know how a small act of kindness can change someone’s life,” she said in an Old Harbour News exclusive interview.

Hope Charity is mainly centred on helping the elderly in and across Old Harbour. So Moniek and her trusted team of volunteers give out care packages and spread some cheer and hope along the many lanes and pathways that they traverse to get to those in dire need.

“We also feed the homeless in the town by giving them a meal as well as a care package. We did it in September and October and we have plans to do it in December as well. I’m sponsored by donations from persons who can contribute like my principal and several others but I welcome contributions from even those who don’t readily have it but are willing to give even three rolls of tissues etc. Every little thing helps so that everybody gets a little something. I wrote a letter to Food for the Poor seeking donations and I am hoping that they come on board soon,” Robinson explained.

The talented and tenacious teen was recently nominated by her teacher for the NCB Grant-A-Wish Competition which highlights and celebrates exceptional Jamaicans who are making a difference in their communities. At the time of writing she was in the top-10 in the community hero category, but way off the pace amongst the top-three to be among the purse prize. However, with her continuous work and exposure she could be in the running next year if the organizers decide to continue this competition.

In this genuine caregiver of the heart, is a budding children’s advocate who is determined to champion the cause of Jamaica’s youth. It is a cause that is near and dear to her seeing that her own journey from poverty to purpose was one rife with obstacles that would have probably broken an individual not made of sterner stuff.

However, her enduring ambition and her belief in God’s grace and mercy saw her overcome most of her challenges and view them as life lessons that she needed in order to comprehend the bigger picture of what God has ordained for her life.

Robinson, who is the eldest of five children and past student of North Street Basic and Old Harbour Primary schools, said: “My mother is a chef and my father works for a delivery company. Growing up life was very, very challenging. I understand what hunger is only too well. One day I went to the shop and a gunman came to shoot me because of some mix-up my family was in but God sey him nuh ready fi me yet. I do have flashbacks and breakdowns because of the incident at times but I’ve developed a spirit of perseverance that keeps me going.”

It is because of her own experience coupled with those she witnessed of others that fuels her drive to be an advocate for Jamaica’s children who she fears are exposed to way too much violence that is adversely affecting their lives.

Robinson shared that it will be her mission upon completing her studies, to tackle the issue of children’s physical and emotional safety one child, one group or one institution at a time.

“Not enough is being done for our children. It’s not just about being hungry and without resources but many of them are suffering from emotional trauma and if I can do my part, I will,” she articulated. “Crime is a big concern because many children are exposed to criminal behaviour and activities and this also needs to be addressed. That is why I have plans to be a lawyer.  My father wanted to be a lawyer but because of lack of funds he did not get to fulfill that dream. I want to do it for both of us. As long as I am able, I will serve.”