14 hours ago
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Senior Multimedia Reporter
Laughter, music and the spirit of Christmas filled Rambert Village, La Romaine, as the children of the late private school teacher Ena Sirju carried on her four-decade tradition of giving, hosting a festive community treat in her memory, months after her death in April.
More than 200 children gathered on Sunday for the annual Christmas event. Sirju began the tradition 40 years ago, and her daughter, Sharda Hosein, flew in from Florida to help carry on both the celebration and her mother’s legacy of caring for children.
Speaking to Guardian Media, Hosein said she was proud to carry on the tradition. “This was founded by my mom 40 years ago when she had a little private school here in Trinidad,” Hosein said. “My mom started this with just ten kids, and over the years, it multiplied and kept growing. Today, as we celebrate the 40th anniversary, we’re treating almost 200 kids.”
Sirju, known as Miss Ena, died on April 6. Hosein said the loss was difficult for the family, but she said continuing the celebration mattered to the family as they struggled with grief.
“My mom passed on April 6th, 2025. It was one of the worst days my siblings and family could have faced,” she said. “I didn’t want my mom’s legacy to go unnoticed, so I came back especially for this.”
Children lined up as horses were led into the area, some reaching out to touch them while others laughed and called to friends as they waited their turn to ride. When the small train began its rounds, children waved from the carriages, leaned forward to watch the track, and laughed as it moved through the area. Others gathered around the bouncy castle, taking turns to enter.
Face painting stations drew groups of children who watched as designs were applied, while volunteers handed out treat bags.
Hosein said what began as a small effort by her mother grew into a multigenerational event.
“The kids who started were part of this 40 years ago are now bringing their kids and their grandchildren,” she said. “So it’s like three generations that we’re treating today.”
She said her mother began the treat while running a small private school to help support her family.
“It started simply with Miss Ena doing what she loved best, putting a smile on someone else’s face,” Hosein said. “She would give them snacks every Christmas, goodie bags, and send them off.”
Hosein said the event brings together people from across the community.
“It’s all a community coming together,” she said. “They’re here celebrating Christmas and sharing the experience.”
She appealed to citizens to focus on children and family.
“The only message I can give right now is to parents: show love to your children, because that’s all your children need,” Hosein said. “They want to see that love and affection.”
Addressing children, she added, “Obey your parents, because they’re not going to be here forever. When parents give, the children give back. Show love and respect.”
About 20 family members worked together to organise the event in honour of Ena Sirju.
English (US) ·