By Marisa Aurora Quiroz | Vice President of Programs
September 2017 - the Caribbean island of Barbuda was hit by Hurricane Irma which ravaged the island with 185mph winds, 15 foot waves, and widespread flooding. The entire population of Barbuda was displaced as nearly all of their homes and infrastructure were destroyed. Emergency rebuilding and recovery efforts have been underway and to date over $800,000 from the Barbuda Resilience Fund at the International Community Foundation has been invested in home reconstruction and repair, transportation, education, and job creation.
Most recently, ICF is thrilled to be working with local leadership to provide the technical and resource support needed for oversight, management, and amplification of community led projects. Our goal is to strengthen local nonprofits and support community leaders working on the ground for the long-term benefit of Barbuda and its people. The below projects range in size and focus. They are all powerful demonstrations of how community leads!
Abundant Life Ministries Media Apprenticeship Program will train young Barbudans in the area of broadcasting with the objective of documenting local stories/histories, experiences of Hurricane Irma, restarting the local "News Update" and other current affairs programs.
Barbudaful.netWebsite Update and Maintenance will support the only website focused on Barbuda with an average of 21k unique views per year.
BarbudanGO Water Harvesting Initiative provides 400-gallon water tanks, spouting systems, and fittings to households to increase access to potable water.
Be Foundation’s Living Off Our Land is an Organic Farming Community Project that introduces organic farming principles and food waste management systems to youth alongside traditional produce farmers. Over 50 Barbudans will "house" community gardens in their homes, using concepts designed through a research-based, grassroots/community-led framework.
Bonnie Floyd Ministries Interior Reconstruction Project will reconstruct the interior of nine homes for Barbudans together with foreign volunteer and local building crews.
Fish N' Fins Inc. Ocean Camp on Barbuda is a 5-day summer camp for a total of 30 Barbudan youth that involves ocean-themed games, swim lessons, snorkeling, marine ecology lectures, and 'edVenture days'.
The People's Church Small Business Grants Program will help strengthen the local economy with micro-grants to 20 small businesses for recovery and rebuilding efforts.
Barbuda Research Complex Historic Wells Water Restoration and Resilience Program restores historic wells to increase resilience of the local community against natural disasters. Nine wells will be restored as backup water sources in three phases.
Rebuild Barbuda Roof Repair for the Elderly repairs the roofs of the most vulnerable residents in Barbuda who have been displaced as a result of Hurricane Irma.
MEPA Trust Youth Afterschool Center provides afterschool enrichment programs to 50 children below the age of 16 (Mon-Sat).
Join us as we continue to raise funding for these important community efforts.
Adelante Barbuda!
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