Red Cross Children's Home: Building Capabilities in Guyana (C)

An orphanage and foster care home for young children in Guyana was staffed by women who were paid a small monthly stipend. The facility was in poor physical state, the 54-hour workweek was exhausting and absenteeism was rampant. The new director tried to turn the facility around by repairing the building, improving the working conditions and seeking staff input. On the country's notational holiday, however, none of the staff reported for work. The director decided to implement new rules and a system of accountability. When the local public hospital staff went on strike, the director of the children's home was asked to run the hospital with its volunteers. After eight weeks, she returned to the children's home to discover that it was thriving, despite her absence. She decided that her work was completed and she returned to Canada. Nearly two years later, the former director visited the children's home and reflected on her management efforts. This is a supplement to Red Cross Children's Home: Building Capabilities in Guyana (A), product 9B02C042 and Red Cross Children's Home: Building Capabilities in Guyana (B), product 9B02C047.