Digicel Foundation impacting lives in TT

So said Garvin Madera, Chairman, Digicel Foundation at the 2nd Annual General Meeting held at Digicel’s Corporate Booth, Queen’s Park Oval on Thursday.

He added: “While we have been able to maintain all our relationships, collaborating with international and State agencies has given us a new perspective on how a simple idea cna grow into an even more impactful, successful, innovative project.” He then cited their “Preparing You” programme where they were able to apply to the Small Grants Programme of trhe United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), to access TT $332,000, which the Foundations wa able to match, to develop a disaster management programme for students with special needs. Madera said this impacted 250 students and five special schools in South/Central Trinidad.

The Foundation also invested TT $796,800 into another initiative EPIC (Extraordinary Projects Impacting Communities), with the aim of collaborating with community-based organisations to transform their public spaces. To date 15 groups have each received grants of TT $34,000.

Other projects of the Foundation include: * Zippy’s Friends - TT $1,726,400. (over four years) 13,000 children impacted *Special Olympics Development Programme - TT $531,200. 1,200 athletes, 300 coaches impacted * Kaleidodash - TT $449,999.

(over three years) 4,000 persons reached * Aquaponics - TT $332,000.

(over three years) over 500 children and their parents impacted.

Madera said: It’s been a long fulfilling journey and it’s been fun all the way. Our aim is to continue to support and empower our partners and their initiatives, in areas which presnt vast economic potential, thurs providing a path to broader participation and transformation to our society.” Following power point and video presentations on the Foundations’s overview by CEO Penny Gomez, Maxie Cuffie, Minister of Public Administration and Communications acknowledged the US$1.35 million towards our country’s development, noting that it has been substantial and impactful.

He said: “The Foundation’s noteworthy involvement in the areas of community enhancemetn and special needs in particular persons with intellectual disabilities must be mentioned. I am also cognizant of the partnership with Government and State Agencies, treating on relevant matters such as emergency management with the Ministry of Agriculture.” He then congratulated Madera, Gomez and their team “for the tremendous work that you have accomplished in lifting up our communities and our citizens.” Cuffie then stated: “Over the next four years, this government intends to utilize Public-Private Partnerships to create meaningful projects that resonate throughout key areas and sectors especially as it pertains to community development.”