As the year comes to a close, The Kalinago Child Support Foundation Inc. takes this opportunity to look back on a year filled with transformative accomplishments and unwavering commitment to making a difference in our community and throughout Dominica. Despite the challenges posed by necessary sponsorship and donations, KCSF Inc. remained steadfast in its mission to create a positive impact within the Kalinago Territory in its ‘campaign against child abuse and neglect’ in the district.
In the face of adversity, the foundation’s dedication and perseverance truly shone, carrying out a multitude of successful initiatives. Throughout 2023, The Kalinago Child Support Foundation Inc. touched the lives of countless individuals, fostering hope and extending a helping hand wherever needed.
One of the highlights of the year was the launch of the ‘Child Abuse and Prevention Campaign’, which aimed to address the urgent needs surrounding the social issue of child abuse and neglect in the communities of the Eastern District. Through this program, the foundation was able to provide essential resources, such as our Child Abuse Prevention booklets for every child throughout the Eastern District, brochures, food supplies, school supplies, and essential workshops to children and parents of the villages. Also sensitizing the public using all [of] our radio stations, digital billboards, and our social media campaign, where many of our local celebrities and advocates created short videos encouraging the public to protect our children and report abuse.
By partnering with local organizations and engaging volunteers, KCSF Inc successfully reached at least 500 families, making a profound impact on their lives. In addition to the ‘Child Abuse and Prevention Campaign’, KCSF Inc, implemented various community outreach initiatives designed to uplift those facing adversity. This included:
Month of July
Activity one
Painting of mural depicting ‘child abuse’ at the Salybia Primary school auditorium, by Mr. Gabriel John Baptiste and the Dominica Grammar school art club.
Activity two
Workshop on Awareness of child abuse, grooming, neglect and reporting.
Theme: If you touch, I’ll tell.
Facilitated by: Dominica Child Protection Society
Activity Three
Story time: Workshop on Emotions
Facilitated by: The Breadfruit House Dominica Foundation
Miss. Marieke Van Asten
Activity Four
Art competition – Who is my Hero?
Essay competition- Long-term consequences of child abuse.
Mandatory reporting of child abuse and neglect.
Activity five
Back to School-backpack distribution ceremony.
Over 350 children within the Eastern District benefitted from this program (school bags and
school supplies).
Month of September
Activity Six
‘Child abuse awareness campaign’ Schools flash visits. We visited every school in the Eastern District from Atkinson Primary to San Sauveur Primary School. (9 schools in total)
Activity Seven
Family Empowerment Rally – Dec 2nd
Activity Eight
Annual Children’s Christmas Party -Dec 17th
This concluded our activities for the year 2023. By fostering a sense of unity and compassion, the foundation empowered individuals to make positive changes within their communities.
Furthermore, KCSF INC would like to express its deepest gratitude to the generous supporters and partners who stood by its side throughout the year. Their invaluable contributions, whether financial or in-kind, allowed the foundation to expand its reach and maximize its impact. Together, we have proven that when we unite for a common cause, remarkable things can be achieved.
As KCSF Inc. looks ahead to the future, it remains committed to its vision of creating a more inclusive and compassionate society. The foundation continues to dedicate itself to identifying and addressing the pressing needs of our community, inspiring hope, and empowering individuals to overcome challenges.
The Kalinago Child Support Foundation Inc. was established on August 10th, 2010. It is a nonprofit organization with a mission to alleviate economic and social pressures on indigenous families in Dominica, by creating avenues to promote the awareness of child abuse, providing essential resources, and building strong family units within the community.
One of the most cruel forms of child abuse is Parental Alienation.
My book “For the Sake of the Children”, is an account of Parental Alienation from a Caribbean perspective. https://www.studiopublications.org/product-page/for-the-sake-of-the-children