FRI 08 DEC, 2023: PORT OF SPAIN, TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO – The Digicel Foundation has partnered with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints to support vulnerable women and youth across Trinidad and Tobago through a joint investment of over TT$800,000.

“The Digicel Foundation started supporting Shelters in 2017 after one of our Digicel team members fell victim to Gender Based Violence,” said Cindyann Currency, Head of Operations at the Digicel Foundation. “We’ve stayed in this space since then and we will continue to invest in and lend support to organisations that are committed to creating opportunities and safe havens for survivors.”

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints donated TT$607,500 (US$90,000) to the Digicel Foundation, and the Digicel Foundation is contributing a further TT$267,502 towards the initiatives. The funding will cover the cost of outfitting three computer labs at shelters and safe spaces for women and children.

In Tobago, Tabitha’s Home for Women and Children will receive funding for the infrastructural work needed to expand their facilities with self-contained bedrooms, furniture, pantry and laundry areas. The Home was set up in 2019 to restore, empower and transform the lives of women who are experiencing any form of abuse, neglect or exploitation.

Additionally, the NGO Is There Not a Cause (ITNAC) will also receive funding to develop their City Outreach Centre for vulnerable youth in downtown Port of Spain. This will include repurposing a 40ft container with kitchen, showers, and a counseling room.

The partnership with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints was finalised during the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, an annual international campaign that started on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until 10 December, Human Rights Day.

"May this fruit of partnership be a source of comfort and empowerment to those in need,” said Bishop Emrol Gould, head of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Trinidad and Tobago.

On December 5th, the Digicel Foundation hosted an intimate meet and greet with the project’s beneficiaries at its headquarters. In keeping with the season, the team sealed the deal with a toast of sorrel, noting that the partnership comes just in time for Christmas.