Lee's Preschool students showcase a few things they have learned from Hazel Thomas. From left: (back row) Kofi Floyd, Glenard Burrell, Joseph James and Hazel Lee. Front row (from left): Jayden Kirkpatrick, Krishanna Brown, Tanya Smith, Dantain Campbell and Ishema Shaw. - Photo by Hope Evans

ALTHOUGH SHE gave birth to only four of the 13 children, Hazel Lee Thomas treats the students of Lee's Preschool as if they were her own. There is a twinkle in Thomas' eyes because she is doing exactly what she intended to: taking care of youths.

Originally from Copse, Hanover, the now single mother moved to Montego Bay in 1979 with the hope of pursuing a career in childhood education. Thirty years later, she has garnered education credentials to build upon her childcare competency certificates, extensive training and various other honours. One of her most cherished awards is for her involvement in the Youth in Action Club, a programme which helped get children off the streets.

"Years before my own children were born, I had a passion for teaching small kids," Thomas said. "Not for the money - it's just in me."

Each month, Thomas attends a free workshop presented by the Early Childhood Unit (ECU). These workshops offer tips on how to deliver school lessons and are very helpful, she said.

After pursuing other careers in telecommunications and production management, Thomas found herself at an impasse - she still had the passion to teach in her heart. She eventually left her moderate income job to pursue teaching full time out of her home.

Thomas has had her fair share of let-downs: At one point, she was depressed, unable to wash clothes or leave her own home. She was in a financial bind that even affected her children's social life. Thomas said there was one ray of hope.

"Church activities became an important part of my children's lives," she said.

Most recently, Thomas once again faced the struggle to provide for her children, as well as her preschool, because of a cut in income after her estranged husband left their home.

Despite the fact that her own educational advancement suffered when she was a youth, Thomas has always promoted it, especially for underprivileged children.

Tough stance

She said she was proud that her tough stance on education has paid off for her students and biological children alike. All four of her children have achieved educational success. Mothers of children Thomas taught have come back to thank her for her transformational influence.

She attributes prayer and interest from faithful friends to helping her overcome hard times.

Intending to build upon her growing business, Thomas dreams of the day she has a class full of promising students in a larger location outside her home.

Ultimately, she would like to restore the flooring of her in-home preschool, get computer training and recruit childhood education assistants for her school.

hope.evans@gleanerjm.com