On Monday, September 16th, the Kalinago Child Support Foundation Inc. (KCSF), joined collaboration with the University of the West Indies (UWI) Global Campus Dominica, to host a panel discussion centered on child welfare and community support for youth. THEME: EVERY CHILD DESERVES OUR LOVE NAD PROTECTION.
The event concluded with a generous distribution of backpacks and school supplies to children throughout the Kalinago community. Flow Dominica, a major telecommunications provider, also came on board, donating additional backpacks and supplies to support the initiative. Held at the UWI Global Campus in Dominica, the panel discussion brought together educators, child advocates, and community leaders Such as Mrs. Noilze Knight-Didier (Attorney at law), Dr. Nadia Wallace-Consultant Psychiatrist, Nicole Toussaint-Social work officer; Social welfare Division, Mrs. Tina Alexander-Director of Lifeline Ministries and Mrs. Delia Cuffy-Weekes-Advocate for women and children to discuss crucial topics on protecting and nurturing children in underserved communities.
Attendees included local officials, representatives from NGOs, and community members invested in supporting the youth. During her keynote address, Mrs. Amanda Theodore-Langlais, Founder/Executive Director of the Kalinago Child Support Foundation Inc., emphasized the critical need to safeguard our children’s rights and well-being. She stated: “Every child deserves our protection and love. As the founder of the Kalinago Child Support Foundation, I have witnessed first-hand the profound difference that genuine care, protection, and attention can make in the lives of our children. Every child is born with innate potential, a unique spark waiting to be nurtured. Yet, far too many children in our communities face the harsh realities of neglect, abuse, and lack of opportunity. These challenges can dim that spark and rob children of the chance to thrive. As adults, leaders, and advocates, it is our collective responsibility to create environments where every child feels safe, valued, and loved.”
Langlais went on to encourage the community to take concrete steps to ensure that every child is supported, reminding everyone that protection and love must be reflected in policies, support systems, and active engagement with youth.
The event concluded with the distribution of backpacks to over (150) one hundred and fifty children from the Kalinago community. Thanks to the contributions from The Dominica Health and Education Initiative, Sagicor and Flow Dominica, each child received school supplies, demonstrating the shared commitment of these organizations to fostering education and well-being on the island. The Dominica Health and education Initiative, Sagicor Insurance and Flow Dominica all expressed their dedication to supporting educational initiatives and community development. By coming together with the Kalinago Child Support Foundation Inc., they reaffirmed their belief in the power of collective efforts to make a meaningful impact in the lives of all our children.
Flow Dominica expressed its pleasure in joining the initiative, stating its dedication to empowering youth through education and community partnerships. UWI Global Campus Dominica echoed similar sentiments, reinforcing its commitment to community involvement and educational empowerment through collaborations like this one with KCSF. A heartfelt thank you to the Dominica Health and Education Initiative for coming on board and supporting this event. Your presence and support reiterate your pledge of partnership and commitment to community development and support to the KCSF Inc.
