The capacity of three local organisations which work with vulnerable groups has been encouraged by the Canadian Government with a grant fund of more than Can$170,000 through its Local Engagement and Action Fund (LEAF).
Grant funding totaling Can$170,467 (approximately J$19.5 million) has been given to the Jamaica Association for the Deaf, Bureau of Gender Affairs and Clarendon Parish Development Committee Benevolent Society.
In eight Caribbean countries, LEAF supports local organisations to address key developmental issues by improving their access to financial resources.
Recently at the Grant Signing Ceremony at Courtyard by Marriott in New Kingston, Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia Grange, said LEAF underscores the joint commitment of the Jamaican and Canadian Governments to promote socio-economic empowerment, gender equality, equity and social justice.
She also said that, she expresses her deepest gratitude to Global Affairs Canada for the dedication towards providing equal opportunities for all members of our community, including persons with disabilities.
Grange encouraged grantees to move forward with passion and purpose to get maximum benefits from the grant funding.
Global Affairs Canada Director General for Central America and the Caribbean, Sylvie Bedard, said from Jamaican organisations, more than 90 proposals were submitted and nothing which the proposals of the three grantees align with Canada’s feminist international assistance policy.
The Bureau of Gender Affairs will be instigating the Women in Entrepreneurship Support Project Phase II.
The initiative focuses mainly on assisting women with disabilities to start and sustain their businesses.
The project’s overall goal is to empower and promote the economic inclusion of 25 women with disabilities by providing them with the essential tools and skills to become successful entrepreneurs.
Bedard shared that the Clarendon Parish Development Committee Benevolent Society will use its funding to support Biz Bridge, an initiative which empowers at-risk youth for economic success.
Biz Bridge helps to address youth crime and violence by offering business development and life skills to 30 youths, diverting them from a path which might lead to criminal activities.
The Jamaica Association for the Deaf will use its funding to empower hearing-impaired community stakeholders with advocacy, problem solving skills and critical thinking.
Bedard said, Island wide, the project will involve stakeholders on disability rights and advocacy and will include an inter-school competition and science fair among schools for the deaf.
Responding on behalf of the grantees, Eurica Douglas, General Manager of the Clarendon Parish Development Committee said, that the LEAF grant funding has ignited a beacon of hope and strengthened their determination to make a difference in the lives of those they serve.
She also added that it is more than just financial assistance. It’s a sign of commitment and belief in our shared vision for global and regional sustainable development. To strengthen our capacity, it serves as a catalyst and to serve the most vulnerable sectors of our society.
For his part, Minister of Labour and Social Security, Pearnel Charles Jr, charged the grantees to make sure that the resources are effectively utilized.
He also committed to assisting the organisations with the implementation of their proposals.
Each year, up to 2026, there will be an annual call for proposals for innovative projects ranging from Can$20,000 to Can$100,000.
LEAF is funded by Global Affairs Canada and is the local development grant mechanism under the Field Services Support Project – Caribbean.
