St Lucia Social Development Fund

12/12/2024

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE CHRISTMAS STIMULUS PROGRAM ALSO KNOWN AS THE STEP PROGRAM FOR 2024

December 6th 2024

The Saint Lucia Social Development Fund (SSDF) announces the commencement of the first phase of the Christmas Stimulus Program also known as the STEP Program. The program employs over three thousand (3,000) St. Lucians for a 5-day period from 9th December 2024 to 16th December 2024.

The first phase will concentrate on the Secondary Roads in various communities around the island. Residents and motorists are advised to be cautious and cooperative when approaching the work sites.

The Program is a pre-emptive and strategic intervention of clearing road verges, drains, culverts, and water channels in communities, all in an effort to improve motorist visibility, reduce mosquito breeding grounds, reduce the possibility of flooding, and improve community aesthetics. The program also serves as an economic stimulant at the community and national level.

For further information, please contact the Saint Lucia Social Development Fund at 1-758-452-6699 between the hours of 8am and 4pm Monday to Friday.

The SSDF is a satellite agency of the Ministry of Equity, Social Justice and Empowerment.

09/12/2024

11/10/2024

Exciting things are happening with the Save Our Boys project! We have had a few sessions, in the north and south of the island focusing on empowering young men to build essential life skills through interactive and engaging activities.

Our Life skills sessions explored what confidence really means and why it’s vital for personal growth. Participants took part in a fun, hands-on activity designed to boost their self-esteem and showcase their unique abilities.

Sessions also focused on understanding and developing emotional intelligence (EI). Our young men learned about the key components of Emotional Intelligence (EI) and practiced techniques to better manage their emotions through an exciting activity.

The sessions also focused on teamwork. Participants discovered the power of working together. They learned the benefits of being part of a team and engaged in dynamic team-building exercises that strengthened their communication and cooperation.

Participants also engaged in another impactful Men’s Talk session! This session focused on providing emotional support, educating the boys on masculinity and identity and equipping them with practical tools to cope with life’s challenges.

The boys were highly engaged, diving into discussions about breaking societal stereotypes, embracing self-acceptance and recognizing the effects of trauma. It was a powerful reminder that they’re not alone on this journey and together, they can build a strong sense of community.

This inspiring session left everyone feeling more empowered and connected!

Stay tuned for more updates on this amazing journey.





Engagement and Action Fund - LEAF






Lucia Ministry of Equity, Social Justice and Empowerment
# High Commission of Canada in Barbados and the OECS

21/08/2024

NOTICE

The St. Lucia Social Development Fund (SSDF) Summer Short Term Employment Programme (STEP) officially commenced on Monday 19th 2024, for the vast majority of constituencies. In some instances, some constituencies have decided to commence their programme later during the month of August 2024. The focus of this year's Summer STEP will be the trimming of shrubs and de bushing along main roads, and the clearing of drains.

Motorist and pedestrians are advised to proceed with caution in areas where STEP employees are engaged in the aforementioned activities.

13/08/2024

VICTORIA AND ENVIRONS RECEIVES IMPROVED WATER SUPPLY

On August 9th, 2024 the St. Lucia Social Development Fund (SSDF) handed over a 100,000 gallon/378 m3 Glass-Fused Bolted Steel Tank to the Water and Sewerage Company (WASCO) on behalf of the residents of Victoria, Choiseul.

The residents of the community have been encountering severe shortages in the water supply as a result of a dilapidated 30,000-gallon concrete water tank with numerous leaks, short rationing periods, climate change, declined raw water supply and increased development in the area. The only water project under the Caribbean Development Bank Basic Needs Trust Fund Programme 10 Cycle will benefit 10 communities in the district while the strategic review of the raw water sources redistribution network will supply three (3) other communities targeted by the sup-project.

The sub-project consisted of the installation of the 100,000-gallon water storage tank; installation of lines funded by grant funding from Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) though the BNTF Programme. WASCO’s contribution to the project include road access and fencing. The main outcome of the project is a more reliable potable water supply for the Victoria community and environs. The project is expected to improve economic activity and contribute to poverty alleviation in the targeted communities.

24/06/2024

The Save Our Boys Project was officially launched on June 7, 2024. This project funded by the Government of Canada through the Local Engagement and Action Fund (LEAF) under the Field Support Services Project – Caribbean (FSSP-C) aims to provide critical support and developmental opportunities for young men in the country, focusing on fostering personal growth, resilience and positive social interactions.

Key components of the project include counseling, mentorship, skill-building workshops, aggression replacement training, artistic therapy and team-building activities.

In attendance were Hon Joachim Henry, Minister of Equity, Social Justice and Empowerment and Hon Shawn Edwards, Minister of Education, Sustainable Development, Innovation, Science, and Technology, Mrs. Vela Samuel Frederick, St. Lucia Country Coordinator for FSSP-C, along with Dr. Carleen Mason, CARE Coordinator, project team, counselors, mentors, coaches and the young men who will benefit from the project.





Engagement and Action Fund - LEAF






,SocialJusticeandEmpowerment

18/06/2024

The St. Lucia Social Development Fund (SSDF), the implementing agency for the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) is embarking on the process of identifying and selecting sub-projects for implementation under BNTF 11.

This is an opportunity for individuals and community organizations to propose projects aimed at reducing poverty and empowering individuals within vulnerable communities.

Please note that completed forms can be submitted via two methods:

1. Physical Submission: Forms can be completed and delivered in person to our head office.

2. Electronic Submission: Alternatively, forms can be filled out and submitted via email to the following addresses:

• [email protected]
• [email protected]

Attached is the official Sub-Projects Request Form. Forms can also be downloaded from our website on www.slusdf.net.

02/05/2024

Engagement and Action Fund - LEAF

15/04/2024