Jonique Gaynor, Staff Reporter

All mothers want the best for their children and Joan Dodd is no different. Although her method might seem strange, she insists her intentions are good.

Dodd is searching for people who are willing to allow her 10-year-old daughter Shackeria to live with them. She is aware of the dangers involved in such a 'transaction', but believes it is the only way her child can have a bright future.

The Dodds live in Jones Town, a community that has seen its fair share of violence and Joan wants to get her daughter out. This is proving challenging however, as the family recently purchased a house and used all their savings to renovate - they cannot afford to move. The shop they operate is not doing well and the Dodds are not working.

Joan told the STAR, "I would just like someone like a nurse to take her out of the environment, somewhere that I can visit from time to time." Although some might think Dodd is willing to simply give her child away, she says this is not the case and she wants what is best for her daughter. "I would really love to keep her but sometimes the violence gets bad and she gets worried. I would like somebody nice, intelligent, trustworthy and Christian-minded," she said.

MEDICAL DREAMS

Little Shackeria has an exceptional singing voice and is doing well in school. She dreams of becoming a paediatrician, but her mother feels these dreams will be stifled if she stays. "The environment is really not nice," she said, "... every day is gunshot, bad words and kids on the street. I just hope for the best for her ..."

While admitting that she would miss her family if she moves, Shackeria also agrees that it would be in her best interest. She told THE STAR, "I would really like that (to move), if I'm out of the environment, I can concentrate on my school work and stuff like that. I would miss them, but I think it would be good for me ..." She also explained why she wants to become a paediatrician, saying, "I just love taking care of children."

Shackeria also loves performing and has been singing since she was eight. Last Saturday, she successfully auditioned for recruiters from the World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) and is looking forward to performing in Hollywood this summer.

The WCOPA is considered the 'olympics' of the performing arts. The competition is held annually and contestants from around the world showcase their talent in dance, vocals, modeling, acting and playing instruments. Auditions are conducted around the world and the finalists meet in Hollywood, California, for the chance to win medals and scholarships and to be cast in acting roles.

This would be a great opportunity for Shackeria but there is a problem - the costs attached to the competition are great. Entry fees, airfare, accommodation and other miscellaneous costs amount to approximately US$2000 - a figure her parents cannot even conceive. "I'm saving a little right now, but I'm still going to need help," Dodd said.

SINGING PASSION

Singing is Shackeria's passion and she is hoping to get to Hollywood. She told THE STAR, "I started singing at age eight and I love to sing soul music." She also demonstrated her talent for the STAR, singing a part of Sam Cooke's Change Gonna Come. The talented 10-year-old also enjoys playing piano and is teaching herself to play guitar. She is confident that she can win and said, "I must believe in myself, and I believe that I can win."

She also offered her very own plea, saying, "I need sponsorship to go to the World Championships and I would like you to sponsor me because I enjoy singing."

Anicia Thomas, executive scout for the World Championships of Performing Arts, confirmed that Shackeria had been selected to go to Hollywood and also spoke of her talent. She said, "She does have the talent and the potential to do well. She sings well."

Persons wishing to take Shackeria in, or to sponsor her trip to Hollywood, can call her parents at 463-8095 or 364-1459.