Grantee Inception Workshop
The Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (GEF SGP), implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), hosted a Project Inception Workshop on November 22nd to engage the new cohort of grantees and recent recipients of the Community Empowerment and Environment Partnership (CEEP). The CEEP is in partnership with the Ministry of Environment & National Beautification, Green and Blue Economy and the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Community Empowerment which was forged in celebration of World Environment Day on June 5th, 2022, to promote inclusive and sustainable development at the community level. The goal of the partnership is to identify, test and pilot innovative community-based projects that contribute positively to the environment, social cohesion and inclusively boost local livelihoods through better and sustainable use of resources.
The workshop was held at UN House, and it brought together eleven (11) civil society organisations (CSOs) across Barbados who were selected for the execution of projects in the focal areas of climate change, land degradation, biodiversity and chemicals and waste/POPs (persistent organic pollutants). These organisations include AnchorBridge Environmental Inc, Roland Edwards Scout Group, Nature Fun Ranch, Elaine’s Caribbean Crochet, The Lodge School, The Rotary Club of Barbados South Charitable Trust Inc., Barbados Coalition of Service Industries, Barbados 4-H Foundation, Prison Fellowship Barbados, and Honeycomb Bee Farms. These organisations will receive grant support up to USD 5,000 from GEF SGP as well as technical assistance and co-financing from the Ministry of Environment & National Beautification, Blue and Green Economy and the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Community Empowerment.
Dr David Bynoe, National Coordinator addressed the importance of developing strong partnerships between government, the private sector, and civil society that foster the building of capacity among community organisations to achieve inclusive and sustainable development at the community level. He reiterated the level of technical assistance available from the Ministries involved in the CEEP and encouraged further youth participation in events such as the recently concluded COP 27 in Egypt where more youth voices from Barbados and the region are needed.
Limya Eltayeb, UNDP Resident Representative, expressed great satisfaction with the speed at which Community Empowerment and Environment Partnership has transitioned from being launched to having 11 CSOs selected and awarded with grants. The Resident Representative warmly welcomed the eleven (11) CSOs to UN House and lauded the progress made since the launch of the CEEP last June 2022 at Pool Woods, St John. She commended all partners for their commitment and investment in community action for climate and the environment, as well as the promotion of sustainable livelihoods. In addition, she noted that, “these projects all build on a strong motivation to serve the community in the area selected” and that the partnership will grow and evolve for the betterment of our communities.
Mr. Cleviston Hunte, Director of Youth Development, Ministry of Youth, Sport, and Community Empowerment stated that this initiative was commendable, especially for young people. He further noted that initiatives like this further complement the Ministry’s work with the National Youth Policy and the actions required to safeguard the future of young people by building their resilience. Additionally, he confirmed the Ministry’s support of the current initiative with technical and financial assistance and where feasible through the Youth Entrepreneurship Scheme (YES).
The Workshop addressed the major components of the Memorandum of Agreement including contractual responsibilities, and conditions of grant approval. Guidelines for the effective completion of technical and financial reports were presented. In addition, record-keeping, procurement, contract components, project monitoring and evaluation procedures were also reviewed and discussed.
SGP National Coordinator and Programme Assistant surrounded by Inception Workshop Attendees.