For the Dajue family, their daughter Gabrielle’s transition from primary to high school is more than a celebration of academic success. It is the next step in a journey they believe has been shaped by faith, prayer and a commitment to education.
Gabrielle, a former student of Crescent All-Age School in St Catherine, has earned a place at Campion College, where she will begin a new chapter of her academic journey.
Her parents, Robert and Phillipea Dajue, have played different but complementary roles in preparing her for the transition, with education and Christian values forming the foundation of her upbringing.
Robert said teaching Gabrielle about the love of God has been central to his role as a father.
“He has taken first place in our lives,” he said.
He said he has encouraged Gabrielle to make prayer and Bible reading part of her daily routine, particularly before leaving home.
“I tell her most of the time when I question her, I say, Gabrielle, did you pray this morning? Did you do your devotion?” he said.
Phillipea meanwhile, has focused on Gabrielle’s academic development, recalling the times she spent teaching her daughter to read from an early age.
“I am the one that really teaches her, you know, about the academics and the importance of studying and staying focused,” she said. “And only your best is good enough.”
For the family, academic success is closely connected to their faith.
Robert said he believes education provides children with the tools to communicate and contribute to society, but faith gives them an important foundation for life.
“A good education plus Jesus Christ,” he said. “That is what [is] gonna get you through. Or that is what will get you through life.”
The Dajues have also incorporated scripture into Gabrielle’s upbringing. Phillipea said she wrote Bible verses in her daughter’s schoolbooks from preschool through Grade Six.
One verse that became particularly important to the family was Philippians 4:13, which Phillipea said she regularly wrote in Gabrielle’s books: “I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me.”
Robert also pointed to Deuteronomy 28:1-14 as another important scripture for the family, saying it reminds them of the blessings associated with obedience to God.
Their faith has also influenced how they view Gabrielle’s future.
Robert recalled that when Gabrielle was about three years old, she was anointed by a church leader who spoke about scholarships being part of her future.
“He said this baby is blessed,” recounted Robert, before adding, “He said scholarship [is] in her life everywhere,” the father recalled.
Gabrielle has since received several awards and scholarships, including one that can continue through to sixth form and university if she maintains the required academic standards.
For Robert, these opportunities have reinforced his belief that continued prayer and effort are important.
“It’s like when you sow a seed, you don’t allow it just to grow like that. You continue to water it,” he said.
Now, as Gabrielle prepares to enter Campion, she is aware that maintaining the balance her parents have encouraged will be important.
“I plan to not only focus on my education, but to also make time for God,” she said.
She said her high school goals include maintaining her academic performance and doing well overall.
Gabrielle expects that there will be challenges along the way, but said she intends to rely on her faith when they arise.
“Even during the ups and downs, I’m just, I will just keep my head held high, pray to God, ask for help,” she said.
As Gabrielle begins life at Campion, the Dajues are entering a new stage of their journey as a family, one in which they hope the principles they have taught her will continue to guide her.
Robert said the family remains committed to trusting God despite life’s challenges.
“I love God. The family love God. And I trust God,” he said.