A team from the Portsmouth Community Watch Foundation (PCWF) is back on island, after taking part in an impactful international youth camp held in Gravelines, France, from August 8 to 25, 2025. The event was organized collaboratively with Secours Populaire Français and its global outreach program, Copain du Monde.
The organization reported that the key highlight for the Dominican participants was a three-day excursion to Paris, where they explored iconic landmarks, enjoyed a boat cruise along the Seine River, and experienced a memorable day at Disneyland Paris. On August 20, they joined 40,000 children from across France at the “Holiday for the Forgotten Children” event on the Champ de Mars, beneath the Eiffel Tower. The day featured live performances, games, and creative activities, providing an extraordinary chance for Dominica’s youth to connect and share experiences with peers from around the globe.
Founded in 2009, the Portsmouth Community Watch Foundation expressed appreciation to Secours Populaire Français and Copain du Monde for enabling this life-enriching experience. The foundation reported that it also paid tribute to Adenauer “Washway” Douglas, a former Mayor of Portsmouth and founding member of the PCWF, whose “continued commitment to community solidarity and youth empowerment remains a cornerstone of the foundation’s mission.”
About the Partner Organizations:
– Secours Populaire Français (SPF): Established in 1945, SPF reportedly ranks among France’s leading humanitarian groups, actively combating poverty and discrimination across more than 60 nations with nearly 100,000 volunteers.
The camp hosted over 150 children from 29 countries, creating what participants say was a vibrant environment of cultural exchange, unity, and friendship. Attendees took part in interactive cultural workshops such as drumming and crafts, shared communal meals, and participated in energetic sports like football, volleyball, badminton, basketball, and archery. Additional excursions included sea-rescue demonstrations, visits to aquaparks, motorcycle tours, and beach trips.
– Copain du Monde: A youth-focused project under SPF, it fosters cultural exchange and mutual support through its annual “Villages Copain du Monde,” creating spaces for young people to connect and build solidarity.
– Portsmouth Community Watch Foundation (PCWF): A community-based organization in Dominica committed to enhancing public safety, empowering youth, and promoting community development. The foundation works to bridge residents with local authorities and provides opportunities for young people both locally and internationally.
Photo credits: Jyorianne DANIEL
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