Decade-long Partnership with Brightstar Lottery Helps Create Pathways to Success

Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago – 13 July 2026: At 23, Sarah*, a former resident of Raffa House, has overcome the odds to graduate from the University of the Southern Caribbean with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. From a childhood marked by instability to now preparing for a career in healthcare, Sarah’s journey reflects the life-changing impact of sustained support for vulnerable children. During her years at the Home, access to donated computers and educational support helped lay the foundation for her success. “Growing up wasn’t always easy for me,” Sarah shared. “But I always tried my best to stay focused on my education and make something out of myself.”

Her success is being celebrated not only by the staff of Raffa House, but also by the Home’s long-standing corporate partner Brightstar Lottery (Brightstar). For over a decade, Brightstar has provided and maintained the Home’s computer lab through its flagship community initiative, the After School Advantage (ASA) programme. 

Over the years, approximately 115 children have been cared for by Raffa House and its partner home for boys, Jairah House, with many of these children entering the system after experiencing trauma, instability, or unsafe living conditions. Its administrators say access to education and technology remain critical factors in helping children build their futures. The partnership with Brightstar ensures that the children have access to the digital tools needed for modern education. 
“We live in a technological world,” said Rachael Byng-Lashley, Chairperson, Raffa House. “Children must be computer literate to function efficiently at school. During the pandemic, this became even more critical because online learning was the only option.”

The Brightstar-supported ASA lab has enabled students like Sarah to complete homework, research projects, School Based Assessments (SBAs), online classes, and university applications. But just as importantly, the computers have increased access to counselling sessions and life skills development.

Byng-Lashley says the Home has seen several young people transition successfully into sixth form, university, and the workforce — achievements that stand as powerful reminders of what consistent support can accomplish.
For Sarah, the early exposure to digital literacy proved essential once she entered university.

“Almost everything is online now — assignments, lectures, research, presentations, and communication,” she said. “Because I already had that exposure, transitioning into higher education was easier for me.”
She said the environment at Raffa House, and the ongoing support from Brightstar, also helped her build confidence and independence during a period of uncertainty in her life.

“It helped me learn how to figure things out on my own, communicate better, and stay connected with opportunities and resources,” she said. “I remember Brightstar interacting with us and always making us feel seen. Knowing that people cared enough to invest in us and our future really meant a lot to me and motivated me to do better.”

“There were many moments where I doubted myself and wondered if I would ever reach this point,” Sarah continued. “Graduating with my nursing degree meant everything to me. So being able to finally walk across that stage was not just about getting a degree, but proving to myself that despite everything, I made it.”

For Byng-Lashley and the support team at Raffa, Sarah’s university graduation represents exactly why sustained investment in children’s homes matters.

“This is a momentous occasion for us,” she said. “It demonstrates that besides hardship there is hope, and that no matter one’s background, one can fulfil his or her dreams.”

However, she noted that children’s homes continue to operate under significant financial and social pressures, making long-term corporate partnerships increasingly important.

“There is no better investment than supporting children in care, because in doing so you are helping to shape the outcome of the future,” she said. “We operate under extremely challenging conditions, and the support we receive is never enough to meet all the needs.”

She credited partnerships such as that with Brightstar for helping ensure continuity in education, mentorship, and opportunity for vulnerable youth.

“Any assistance, whether financial or in-kind, makes a real difference,” she said. “We are deeply grateful to Brightstar for their continued support over the years. It goes a long way toward ensuring that homes like ours can continue to survive and serve the children who depend on them.”

Years after first sitting in the Raffa House ASA computer lab completing assignments, Sarah now prepares to enter the healthcare profession — carrying with her the belief that small acts of kindness can change the course of a child’s life.

*Name changed to protect privacy.

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