EPIC NEW YEAR INVESTMENT INTO TOBAGO NGOs

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 04, 2022: PORT OF SPAIN, TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO – Four NGOs in Tobago will receive a total of TT$450,000 in funding from the Digicel Foundation to implement community projects centred around technology, agriculture and other social impact activities. This funding is part of a TT$1.1 million investment which the Foundation has pledged to community projects in Trinidad and Tobago in the next two months.

Charlotteville Police Youth Club, Roxborough Police Youth Club, Women of Substance and Pembroke Cultural Stars (TTARP) are the selected grant beneficiaries whose work provides services to youth, farmers, senior citizens, and women who are survivors of domestic violence.

The Charlotteville Police Youth Club received TT$150,000 toward the development of its – Youth Skills Centre.  The current building donated by the Tobago House of Assembly (THA), will be transformed into a youth friendly space which will be equipped with computers for an internet café, conference room, and an entrepreneurship hub, to build skills in barbering, hairdressing and other trades. The Roxborough Police Youth Club will expand its Green House Hydroponics System with their TT$100,000 in funding.  This initiative includes training 30 youth farmers and has a promising business plan that will generate an income for the club’s sustainability and the trainees.

Women of Substance will use its TT$100,000 to develop- Shangri-La Empowerment Centre for Women, a safe haven for women who are survivors of domestic violence.  The space will be used to provide confidential counselling services, a computer lab, training/skills building and a thrift shop. The Pembroke Cultural Stars will use their TT$100,000 to conduct upgrades to their Senior Citizens’ Activity centre.  This space was also given to the group by the THA and will serve as a meeting space and club house for the members.  Outfitted with computers, lounge area and kitchenette, the group also has plans to generate an income through monthly activities and facility rentals.

Digicel Foundation Board Director, Georgina Peterkin and Operations Manager, Cindyann Currency was on hand to visit the groups and present them with a cheque to begin the projects.

In October 2021, the Digicel Foundation issued ‘Calls for Applications’ from non-profit organisations to submit applications for sustainable projects that transform a community space, initiatives that can be implemented within 6-8 weeks, and projects that provide a service or opportunity for beneficiaries.  Of the six grants, four have been awarded to Tobago.