The family behind Pumpkin House

Founder and Secretary

Stella Manuel

“Love liberates, and she liberated Pumpkin House to life.”

A walking miracle can be seen in the lives of the children at Pumpkin House. As Founder and Secretary, Stella has shaped the home with her care and expertise since the very beginning.

She is the woman who heard the first whispers: soft voices that needed love, care, protection, education and medical care. She opened Pumpkin House in her own home, giving the children a family and a place to belong.

Her devotion to the children goes far beyond words, and her kind, humble way is an example of true love. The sacrifices and hard work she has poured into Pumpkin House are extraordinary. As she shows every day, success comes to those who act.

Stella’s vision

• A good education for every child
• Children who grow up self-reliant and independent
• A family atmosphere, never a hostel
• A dedicated staff and a well-kept home

Director, and Headmistress of Divine Grace School

Fiona Manuel

“Work hard in silence, and let success make noise.”

Dreams take determination, dedication, self-discipline and effort to come true, and Fiona is a living example. As Director of Pumpkin House for Children Trust, she holds advanced qualifications in Education and Social Work, and has worked tirelessly from the beginning to help the children live a good life.

She is also Headmistress of Divine Grace School, shaping her students’ lives with a mother’s care and a deep devotion to teaching. Many students have grown because of her.

Full of joy, gratitude and grace, she never gives up, especially when the going gets tough. Every child has felt that touch of a mother with her.

Fiona’s mantra for life

• Have faith, to make things not only easy but possible
• Have hope, to see light despite the darkness
• Have love, to give without any expectations
• Have understanding, to listen and feel even what has not been said
• And above all, always stay humble

Trustee and Montessori teacher

Meliza Manuel

“There are no shortcuts. Only hard work. Be patient and work in silence.”

Simple and honest, Meliza is a Trustee and a qualified Montessori teacher. She has worked at Pumpkin House and Divine Grace School since they began.

Her joyful response to everything the children do is a delight to see. For her, working with children is a celebration: the children are not distractions from important work, they are the most important work.

Children have a full-time job, and it is called play. Meliza’s way is to become one with them, giving them wonderful childhood memories while they learn. She teaches them to read and write, from their first letters until they can express themselves fluently in full sentences.

“Real happiness lies in making others happy.”

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