EPIC PROGRAMME CONTINUES TO IMPACT COMMUNITIES

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 28 2019: PORT OF SPAIN, TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO – Representatives from Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), Community Based Organisations and Faith Based Organisations (FBOs) from all over the country turned out in their numbers to attend the recent launch of the 2019 Digicel Foundation’s EPIC - Extraordinary Projects Impacting Communities programme.

 

The Foundation hosted 18 organisations at its Hospitality Suite, at the Queen’s Park Oval where the groups received grants to implement an EPIC project in their respective communities.

Speaking at the event, Chairman of the Foundation, Desha Clifford was in high praise of the organisations stating,“Starting an initiative in their community at a time when family life is under threat, social problems are numerous and many of our young people are in need of direction is very commendable.”  She also indicated to them that their “projects encourage us to always be open to partnerships because they accelerate social, educational and recreational opportunities for others. You remind us all, that change lies with us, and in order to get the best out of Trinidad and Tobago we all need to rely more on one another and be willing to collaborate.” 

As a recipient of the Digicel EPIC grant in 2018 to establish a gym for the residents in the Barataria community, Ms. June Rogers of the Barataria Community Council addressed the gathering and thanked the Digicel Foundation for believing in the Council’s dream to set up the fitness studio. She encouraged the attendees to find ways to align and support one another as they invest in the transformation of lives.

Penny Gomez, CEO of the Foundation spoke on the sustainability and accountability required for each project, declaring,“It is going to be an EPIC year because each organization has Extraordinary Projects Impacting Communities.”

 

The Foundation is a non-profit organization that was formally established in July 2012.  With a focus on community development and advancement of persons with special needs, its mandate is to partner with implementing agencies, provide funding for developmental projects and to become directly involved in the execution of each project.  With an investment of US$3.4 million, over the past seven years, the Foundation has funded over 367 projects impacting over persons.

Since the inception of the EPIC Programme, 60 EPIC Projects have been implemented by various Organizations in communities across Trinidad and Tobago at a cost of US$468,453.