Developing a deep sense of belonging

An Interview with Cleotilde “Chanina” and Virgilio “Vijo” Rosada, Co-Directors, Ark Jarabacoa‍

Chanina and Vijo started as house parents with Kids Alive in 1998. They arrived with their three children and added 12 more to become a family of 17. After serving for five years as house parents, they rose through the ranks to first become assistant directors and later co-directors of Ark Jarabacoa.  

What are some favorite things about your job?

Chanina: When all the children go and encircle my husband!‍

Vijo: I love watching our children befriend new arrivals to the home, show them around the place while expressing their strong sense of belonging. Another thing I love is the change that can be seen with a child from beginning to end at the Ark.‍

What are some of the biggest challenges of the past year?‍

Dealing with the pandemic and "homeschooling" within the Ark.

‍Tell us about the progress the students are making.‍

Dairy, who came to Ark Jarabacoa as a child and grew up here, is now a young mature Christian woman who bears much fruit in her church.‍

What are the strengths of your program?

‍Support and training for the residential staff; we encourage and guide them to develop deep connections with their family members, and then replicate those with the children in our program. It includes teaching children the virtues of discipline along with spiritual, emotional, and vocational development.

‍What is one hope you have for the year 2021?‍

May the Lord allow us to put COVID-19 behind and thus continue to grow the quantity and quality of our program.‍

As you look long-term, what are some of your program goals?

‍In the spiritual area, we hope to return to worship in church and continue with discipling programs. In the educational area, that young people gain the knowledge and capacity and learn to serve and remain faithful to God.

‍Could you name one way that serving in ministry has helped you grow personally, spiritually, or professionally?‍

Of course! We are more tolerant, more prepared spiritually and academically, and as people.‍

Anything else you would like to add?‍

This job forms you as an individual, prepares you for life in all aspects. Here you learn to be a father, a doctor, a counselor, a psychologist, a pastor, and a worker. It also demands that, above all, you must be a believer without pretense, because everyone puts their hope in you. So, (we claim) God is our strength.