By Alian Ollivierre-Skeete | Project Leader
Our Increased Focus:
We have been focused on poverty and gender inequalities, which is perpetuating violence, abuse and neglect throughout Barbados and the wider Caribbean, and has been resulting in an increase with, e.g., self harm, teen pregnancy and crime.
Globally, 1 in 3 girls and women experience some form of violence within their lifetime. Locally and regionally, there’s an increase due to the pandemic.
According to an April 2021 Central Bank of Barbados report, more than 1 in every 10 persons in our active labour force is unemployed, with our current unemployment rate at 13.6%, primarily being single mother households.
According to UNICEF, 70% of children are living in poverty in Barbados vs. 1 in 3 in the region. This is why we are doing the much necessary work that is required, not just as one off donations and gifts, but on-going support.
What Have We Done?
This quarter we have contributed directly to the homes of more than 50 girls, who have little to no income due to unemployment and/or inconsistent job placements, through the following means:
Our contributions have well exceeded $50,000.00 USD, for which some of your funds were instrumental, with a special mention to our recurring donors, and we are hoping to do much more, shifting this small start to huge impact.
How Have We Been Learning?
We always ensure that we listen to our beneficiaries and work with them in developing out programming that they not only enjoy but grow from, because it is important for us to not only work for girls but with them.
As such we have three (3) ways to stay informed on a continual basis:
What Are Our Plans Next?
We want to expand our services to ensure that our girls always feel like they are supported, safe and surrounded by the right community, and as such our services are expanding to provide emergency housing for our beneficiaries.
We know some of our girls often struggle, may experience being displaced and/or have either thought of running away or have in the past, and we want to ensure they always have a safe space they know they can come to should anything arise.
Additionally, we will continue with our food and hygiene bank, monthly grocery allowance, and other support services, so girls do not have to worry about anything other than being a girl.
How Can You Continue to Help?
Links:
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