RCP Dominica expands; 10 new communities to benefit

Early Childhood Development is the heart that pumps life into the Roving Caregivers’ Programme (RCP) as the children are the future and a solid foundation is needed to create model citizens. As 2011 progresses so too does the RCP Dominica, through its Early Childhood Development (ECD) initiative as it seeks to further address the developmental needs of the very young in disadvantaged conditions to benefit from quality care and attention, development of basic skills, better health and nutrition and at the next level, better performance in pre-school and future education.

The Roving Caregivers’ Programme (RCP) early childhood education programme has been operating in the parish
of St. David since March of 2004 in several communities spanning from Antrizle in the North to Petite Soufriere in the South including the Kalinago Territory.

Having been in operation for the last seven years, RCP is currently in the process of expanding its coverage to ten new communities across Dominica over the next three years.

As part of the first phase of this expansion, RCP Dominica will be launched in the communities of Grand
Fond, Marigot and St. Joseph primarily because of their close proximity to the RCP core area as well as those
factors (such as poor parenting practices, high unemployment, low education level) which prevailed in the pre – RCP era and which these communities also seem to be experiencing.

Over the past several months, RCP has been actively engaging groups and organizations within the identified
communities, building relationships and promoting dialogue, through meetings and mini showcases, in an
effort to set the platform for a smooth introduction of the Programme into these areas.

Funding for the expansion

This expansion was made possible through the kind support of the National Bank of Dominica (NBD), as it continues to lend a helping hand to the RCP.

RCP, through its implementing agency ChildFund Caribbean, received funding to the tune of $323,241.00 primarily for the expansion of the programme into ten new communities over the next three years. The support of RCP by the NBD must be highly commended and is highly appreciated.

This, the largest financial institution on island,provided funding for the training and certification of the Rovers through the National Council for Technical, Vocational Education and Training (NCTVET) programme from Jamaica, supported the Parenting and Fathers’ Only sessions as well as provided uniforms for the Rovers.

RCP looks forward with great anticipation when, in addition to the parish of St. David, this unique ECD
Programme will be operational in several other communities in Dominica.