FOR Christopher Dawes, navigating the challenges of growing up in State care could have easily defined his future. Instead, he allowed the circumstances and his faith in God to positively shape the person he is today, becoming a passionate and purpose-driven educator.

Dawes is a graduate of Shortwood Teachers’ College, where he earned a Bachelor of Education in Secondary Education with a specialisation in human ecology. He told JIS News that his journey into State care started at the age of 14, following what he described as a traumatic incident.

“My journey into State care was born out of circumstances that were beyond my control as a child,” he shared. After a short period at St John Bosco, he transitioned to St Augustine Place of Safety and then later to Mount Olivet Boys’ Home, where he stayed until he was 18 years old.

It was at Mount Olivet where he spent an important part of his formative years, surrounded by care, guidance, and growth opportunities.

“It was an extremely difficult chapter of my childhood but it ultimately became one of the chapters that shaped my resilience and determination to create a different future [for] my life,” he stated. “I remember the structure, the discipline, care, and guidance provided by the staff, but I also remember discovering that I could excel despite the circumstances surrounding me,” he added.

A section of Mount Olivet Boys’ Home in Manchester, which was where Christopher Dawes spent an important part of his formative years, surrounded by care, guidance, and growth opportunities. (Photo: JIS News)

While at the home, which he revealed is very near and dear to his heart, Dawes engaged in several activities for personal and professional development.

“Academically, I performed exceptionally well, and I was given opportunities to represent the home, take on leadership opportunities, which helped me to develop confidence and a sense of belonging,” he stated.

Upon reaching the age of 18, Dawes transitioned into the world of the unknown, guided by the principles he learnt while at the home.

“Leaving the State care system and eventually entering into higher education was both exhilarating and daunting. I was moving from an environment where system and structure existed around me, into a world where I had assumed greater responsibility for my own future,” Dawes said.

Still, he held close the dream of the little boy from Castle Mountain, Westmoreland, who simply wanted an opportunity to build a better life. “The greatest lessons were that my circumstances did not define my worth or my potential.

I learnt that discipline, consistency, faith, and the willingness to keep going can open doors — even when the path ahead seems uncertain,” he said. Education became one of the most important vehicles through which Dawes would change the trajectory of his life. He shared that there were moments he doubted himself and felt like giving up, particularly when he experienced financial pressure.

However, he strived to excel academically, and some of his fondest moments were not confined to the classroom but included the relationships cultivated with lecturers and colleagues, teaching experiences, and other opportunities which helped him to discover who he is as a professional.

Dawes shared with JIS News his working experience at the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston.

“Working at the airport during my college years was also transformative because I encountered people from different cultures and walks of life, which broadened my perspective and strengthened my communication and interpersonal skills,” he said. However, he explained that his most cherished moment was graduating from college.

“I cherish the memory of finally reaching graduation because that moment represented far more than academic completion. It represents the culmination of years of sacrifice, prayer and perseverance,” he stated.

He reiterated a message he shared with hundreds of children transitioning from State care, during the annual Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA) Transitional Living Programme (TLP) Higher Education Expo 2026, held in August at the Wolmer’s Boys’ School in Kingston.

“For the children in State care, I would like to tell them that their circumstances are not their identity, and their current environment is not the conclusion of their story,” he stated. During his time in college Dawes was a recipient of scholarships from the TLP, Supreme Ventures Ltd, along with kind assistance from other private partners and foundations.

Today he is embarking on a new journey as a teacher at a prominent secondary institution in St Andrew, where his aim is to bring hope to the students around him.

“I want to use my education not merely as a personal accomplishment, but as an instrument through which I can influence young people,” he said.

He shared that his ultimate wish is to “contribute meaningfully to education and become someone whose journey demonstrates that adversity can be transformed into purpose”.