Shining amidst the gloom

Young Jamaica males are not always at the forefront of positive features but two youths have chosen to spend their holiday raising funds to assist those in need.

Isaiah and Elijah Eley, aged 11 and eight years old respectively, of Samuel Prospect in Trelawny are no strangers to philanthropy, as they were always taught to help the less fortunate according to their grandmother and pastor for Green Pastures Ministry, Daphney King.

Pastor King described the two as “stalwarts in their own right” noting that “their willingness to give is amazing”.

The Eley brothers came up with the idea to start a foundation in 2004 known as Green Pastures Home according King, following a need to assist persons living in extreme poverty within their community. They were seven and four years at the time.

“A lady and 26 members of her family were living in a one bedroom structure and when the boys heard of this, they gave her $2,000 hoping that could buy a house,” recalled their grandmother.

She said the boys soon realized that the money was not enough and began saving remittance they received from their parents overseas. With the help of their grandmother, the brothers were able raise over $100,000, which was used to construct a two bedroom wooden structure.

Young Elijah explained his reason to be apart of this initiative is to “help and improve the life of others who can’t afford to do so.”

His older brother expressed similar sentiments, and further stated: “it is our hope that we can help more persons.”

Both Isaiah and Elijah attend the First Hill All-Age in Jackson Town, Trelawny.


In addition to their fundraising efforts, the Eley brothers save a portion of their lunch money and allowance from overseas to purchase food items, which are distributed to needy persons.

While the availability of funds to carry out their missionary work is a main challenge for the boys and their grandmother; they agree that they are willing to use the little resources the have to accomplish as much as they can.

Pastor King, who believes in leading by example, explained that she nurtured the habit of giving and helping others in the lives of the boys since they were toddlers.

“When I first began ministering as a pastor five years ago, I would go out to feed and help others and I would bring the boys. I remembered telling them that this is what they need to do when they grow older.”