Grants and Contributions

This project aims to create a safer, more inclusive Saint Lucia by empowering young people who are blind, visually impaired, or face additional barriers with the skills, confidence, and independence needed to participate fully in school, work, and community life. By reducing social exclusion and vulnerability, key risk factors for exploitation, abuse, and unsafe environments, the project strengthens crime prevention systems and enhances long term social protection for at risk youth. Project activities include: (1) providing life skills, digital literacy, orientation and mobility training, and daily living skills to 30 youth aged 13 to 35 who are blind, visually impaired, or living with other barriers; (2) engaging 5 employers through awareness sessions, accessibility assessments, and job shadowing placements to promote inclusive hiring and safe workplace environments; (3) procuring and installing assistive technology, such as braille embossers, screen readers, laptops, tablets, and accessibility software, to support participants’ digital access, communication, and learning; and (4) conducting outreach campaigns using schools, youth centers, communities, radio, and social media to reduce stigma, encourage safe participation, and strengthen awareness of disability inclusion.

Youth unemployment in Saint Lucia remains a major challenge, especially for underserved communities with limited access to skills training and certification. The project aims to provide a competency-based apprenticeship program for 30 unemployed youth ages 18–29, combining classroom instruction with hands-on training through partnerships with 12 bakery operations, the Bakers Association, and the Ministry of Commerce. Over 12 months, participants will pursue Caribbean Vocational Qualification/National Vocational Qualification (CVQ/NVQ) certification at Levels 1 and 2, improving employability and helping meet workforce needs in the baking sector. The project promotes inclusion by encouraging at least 20% enrolment from the Offenders’ Reintegration Project and supporting gender equity. A public awareness campaign will help shift negative perceptions of the baking industry and increase interest in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) opportunities. Ultimately, the project aims to expand the pool of work-ready, certified professionals and strengthen socio-economic prospects for youth across key communities in Saint Lucia.

This project aims to improve the employability, digital readiness, and economic empowerment of Vincentians by equipping 150 participants with practical Information and Communication Technology (ICT), financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and cybersecurity skills. By increasing access to accredited digital training and targeted mentorship, the project contributes to a more resilient, inclusive, and future ready workforce in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Project activities include: (1) providing competency based ICT training, including CompTIA, Microsoft Office Suite, Google tools, and introductory artificial intelligence (AI) applications, to strengthen digital literacy and workplace productivity; (2) delivering financial literacy and financial management workshops, including accredited QuickBooks training and entrepreneurship mentoring to support business development; (3) training participants in cybersecurity through practical workshops developed with specialized partners; and (4) offering blended (online and in person) accredited courses to ensure flexible access for diverse genders, abilities, and age groups.

Support aboriginal communities in becoming successful participants in commercial fisheries and aquaculture

The purpose of the Indigenous Habitat Participation Program- Grant Funding is to meet the legal obligations to support the participation of Indigenous communities in consultations on Departmental Crown conduct (i.e., decisions, such as arrangements, approvals, authorizations and permits) under the Fisheries Act and/or Species at Risk Act.

The purpose of the Indigenous Habitat Participation Program- Grant Funding is to meet the legal obligations to support the participation of Indigenous communities in consultations on Departmental Crown conduct (i.e., decisions, such as arrangements, approvals, authorizations and permits) under the Fisheries Act and/or Species at Risk Act.

The purpose of the Indigenous Habitat Participation Program- Grant Funding is to meet the legal obligations to support the participation of Indigenous communities in consultations on Departmental Crown conduct (i.e., decisions, such as arrangements, approvals, authorizations and permits) under the Fisheries Act and/or Species at Risk Act.

Purchase equipment to enhance efficiency, growth, and mitigate tariff impact

Modernizations to extend season and increase yield.

Acquire and re-commission equipment to enhance efficiency, productivity and throughput