The Canadian Government’s Local Engagement and Action Fund (LEAF) has injected fresh vitality into three prominent Jamaican organizations.
Reports from JIS News pointed out that with grant funding totaling Can$170,467 (approximately J$19.5 million), LEAF has paved the way for the Jamaica Association for the Deaf, Bureau of Gender Affairs, and Clarendon Parish Development Committee Benevolent Society to further their vital missions.
LEAF: Catalyzing change
LEAF stands as a powerful catalyst for change, supporting local organizations across eight Caribbean nations in addressing pivotal developmental challenges by enhancing their access to essential financial resources.
This infusion of funds signifies a resolute commitment by the Jamaican and Canadian Governments to foster socio-economic empowerment, gender equality, equity, and social justice.
Hon. Olivia Grange extols LEAF’s vision
JIS News noted that at the Grant Signing Ceremony held on December 7 at the Courtyard by Marriott in New Kingston, Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport, Hon. Olivia Grange, lauded the transformative impact of LEAF.
She expressed profound gratitude to Global Affairs Canada for their dedication to providing equal opportunities, especially for individuals with disabilities.
Minister Grange called upon the grant recipients to pursue their goals with fervor and purpose, maximizing the benefits of the funding.
Canada’s commitment to Jamaica
Sylvie Bedard, Director General for Central America and the Caribbean at Global Affairs Canada, highlighted the rigorous selection process, revealing that over 90 proposals were submitted by Jamaican organizations.
She noted that the proposals put forth by the three grant recipients align seamlessly with Canada’s feminist international assistance policy.
Empowering women in entrepreneurship
The Bureau of Gender Affairs is poised to launch the Women in Entrepreneurship Support (WES) Project Phase II, targeting women with disabilities seeking to establish and sustain their businesses.
This initiative aims to empower and foster the economic inclusion of 25 women with disabilities by equipping them with the essential tools and skills for entrepreneurial success.
Youth empowerment and crime prevention
The Clarendon Parish Development Committee Benevolent Society will employ its funding to support Biz Bridge, an initiative designed to empower at-risk youth for economic success.
Biz Bridge contributes to the reduction of youth crime and violence by providing business development and life skills training to 30 young individuals, diverting them away from potential criminal activities.
Empowering the hearing-impaired community
The Jamaica Association for the Deaf has earmarked its grant to empower stakeholders within the hearing-impaired community with advocacy, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
This comprehensive project will engage stakeholders islandwide in discussions on disability rights and advocacy, featuring an inter-school competition and science fair among schools for the deaf.
A beacon of hope and determination
Representing the grant recipients, Eurica Douglas, General Manager of the Clarendon Parish Development Committee Benevolent Society, expressed how LEAF’s funding has ignited a beacon of hope, intensifying their determination to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those they serve.
She emphasized that this support transcends mere financial assistance; it symbolizes a shared commitment to regional and global sustainable development, serving as a catalyst to strengthen their capacity to assist the most vulnerable sectors of society.
A call to effective utilization
Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., called upon the grant recipients to ensure the effective utilization of the resources at their disposal. He pledged his support to assist these organizations in implementing their proposals.
Looking ahead, there will be an annual call for innovative projects ranging from Can$20,000 to Can$100,000 each year until 2026, ensuring a sustained impact from LEAF’s contributions.
LEAF, funded by Global Affairs Canada and operating under the Field Services Support Project – Caribbean (FSSP-C), continues to be a driving force in uplifting communities and fostering positive change throughout the Caribbean region.
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