"Some are very poor, especially where workers have not been in the system for a long time," Walters explained, adding that many of the relatives the farm workers leave behind are unemployed, uneducated and lack proper housing.

Walters told The Sunday Gleaner that the parish of St Catherine, in particular, records poor school attendance for children of farm workers.

Obligations

"I have come across at least 15 families with this problem. Apparently, the parents do not see the importance of regular attendance or they have not been receiving support from the family member working abroad.

"There are some who are not in contact with their spouses and children. They neglect the obligations they have left behind," she revealed.

The social worker said she has been encouraging several families to join the Programme for Advancement Through Health and Education, which provides assistance for children to go to school.

Where the problem is caused by the failure of fathers to send home supporting funds, Walters said the cases are reported to the family service's unit in the labour ministry which, in turn, contacts liaison officers in Canada or United States where the farm worker is located.

Housing is also an issue for families of farm workers. "I came across one family where the teenage children were living in one room ( a quad) with the parents. We encouraged them to construct an additional room as it is not appropriate for children in their teens to share the same sleeping space with their parents, Walters said.

Provides guidance

Other families were affected by hurricanes and have not been able to repair their homes. The counsellor, however, disclosed that the family service unit provides guidance where possible. Counselling is also offered in the area of employment.

"We have youths who are out of school with no subjects. We encourage them to join the special youth programme started by the prime minister."

According to Walters, the interventions made by the ministry are working.

- Avia Collinder