Man raised in State care carving out promising future

Anthony Harriott's story is one of quiet resilience and determined growth. His journey began in uncertainty but has evolved into one marked by independence, purpose, and hope.

Removed from his parents' custody at age three alongside his twin brother and sister, Harriott was raised at the State care facility, SOS Children's Village in Stony Hill, St Andrew.

"Based on what I was told... my parents' care... wasn't quite so conducive for me and my siblings," Harriott said.

He spent the majority of his life navigating a system many young people find challenging. Today, he stands on his own, employed, self-sufficient, and committed to encouraging others still in care to see beyond their circumstances.

The former ward, in an interview with JIS News, said daily life in State care was structured and supportive, with house parents and other children creating a close knit environment that mirrored a traditional household.

"We saw the house mothers as mommy or aunt, and the other kids as our brothers and sisters," Harriott said.

Education was a central focus from the very beginning. Harriott first attended the primary school operated by the institution before moving on to secondary school, where he began to understand his identity more fully as a child in State care.

"Initially, I was shy to admit that I came from a State run facility. But someone reminded me, 'It's not anything you did that landed you here'. That encouragement helped me to strive towards becoming a better version of myself," he said.

That shift in perspective became a turning point. Encouraged by mentors and guided by a belief in the power of education, Harriott began to focus on building a future for himself. He credits youth leader Angela Richards and former village director Jason Brown as key influences who reinforced his confidence and pushed him to aim higher.

Their encouragement, coupled with consistent academic support, helped him understand that education could open doors that once seemed out of reach.

"Miss Richards truly believed in me, and often reminded me, 'Anthony, you're good, you're awesome'... and Mr Brown - his experience inspired us," Harriott recalled.

He remained in State care until June 2025, transitioning out of the system at age 22. By then, he had already been introduced to transitional living arrangements designed to prepare young people for independence.

Beyond life skills, Harriott also gained exposure to the working world through job-readiness workshops and international opportunities, including a work-and-travel programme in the United States.

He also pursued tertiary studies at the University of the Commonwealth Caribbean, earning a degree in business administration with a focus on information systems management.

Now settled into his own life, Harriott remains connected to the system that helped raise him. He mentors younger wards, offering advice and reassurance as they prepare to transition into adulthood.

Reflecting on the broader child protection system, Harriott believes continued support is essential for children in care, particularly in preparing them for independence.

"Give them more support - more workshops, more conversations, more opportunities to get ready for the outside world," he urged.

The former ward's message to those currently in the system is one of resilience and determination.

"You're in State care now; it's nothing you have done. Just work hard - you have ability just like anybody else. When you finish the work, you'll see where you earn your rewards," he said.