The High Commission of Canada in Jamaica today announced funding for nine local organizations across the island, awarding a total of JMD 25 million (CAD 220,000) through the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) for 2024-2025. This support will empower community-driven projects that address urgent challenges, including climate change, women and youth empowerment, education, and resilience in vulnerable communities.

In addition, the Sandals Foundation has been awarded JMD 5.7 million (CAD 50,000) through CFLI humanitarian assistance to support recovery efforts in three parishes—St. Elizabeth, Clarendon, and Manchester—severely affected by Hurricane Beryl. This funding will help affected communities rebuild and restore livelihoods following the devastating storm.

“This year’s CFLI projects exemplify Canada’s deep commitment to Jamaica’s sustainable development,” said His Excellency Mark Berman, High Commissioner of Canada to Jamaica, at the official launch event held at Devon House. “By supporting local initiatives, we are empowering communities to address critical challenges and build a future rooted in resilience and opportunity for all. These projects, which range from youth development and crime prevention to climate adaptation, will have a lasting, positive impact on the lives of many Jamaicans.”

The recipient of the CFLI Humanitarian Assistance, Sandals Foundation, will assist in the recovery of livelihoods and the restoration of educational facilities for vulnerable communities hit hardest by Hurricane Beryl. Beneficiaries include the Abilities Foundation, Hampton School for Girls, and local fishermen in St. Elizabeth. The project will provide fishing equipment to 200 fisherfolk, farm supplies to 40 farmers, educational materials and furniture to Hampton High School and support 10 women with disabilities in rebuilding their agricultural businesses and improve the resilience of six rural communities. Heidi Clarke, Executive Director of Sandals Foundation, expressed her gratitude for the support: “It’s been two months since Hurricane Beryl, and many families and businesses are still struggling to recover. With this generous funding from the Government of Canada, we can continue to provide critical aid and help communities rebuild stronger than before.”

Speaking at the launch, Dr. Kasan Troupe underscored the unique nature of each project, acknowledging that while not all were directly focused on youth, they shared a unified commitment to community development. She emphasized that community development is pivotal in building a strong education sector and framework for sustainable growth. Dr. Troupe also expressed gratitude to the High Commission of Canada for their partnership, highlighting the critical role that collaborative efforts play in strengthening the education sector. For 2024-2025, six of the CFLI projects will be youth-centred focusing on education, violence prevention, and agricultural training, while three projects will actively engage educational institutions to foster youth development and skills training.

This year’s CFLI-funded projects include:

• Sisters of Mercy - Empowering Futures: Supporting at-risk youth in Kingston through psychosocial and academic assistance, improving educational outcomes and emotional well-being.

• Empowered Resources and Solutions Ltd - Mothers for Change: Empowering teen mothers in St. Catherine and St. Thomas through entrepreneurship training and mentorship to foster economic independence.

• Jamaica 4H Foundation - Climate-Smart Agriculture Training for Youth Farmers: Equipping young farmers with climate-smart agricultural skills in St. Catherine, promoting sustainable farming practices and food security.

• Jamaica Professional Youth Workers Association—HerAgro: Empowering young female farmers in rural Jamaica with entrepreneurial and agricultural training to increase productivity and income.

• Caribbean Coastal Area Management Foundation - Engaging Women in Climate Action and Gender Awareness in Portland Bight: Empowering women in Portland Bight with climate adaptation strategies tailored to their needs.

• Village Academy International - Empowering Girls Through Agriculture and Education in Rural Jamaica: Equipping young women in rural areas with practical agricultural skills and foundational education to enhance employability.

• Her Flow Foundation - Live Safe College Tour: Engaging 10 tertiary institutions across Jamaica to equip students with essential life skills often overlooked in academia, preparing them for real-world challenges.

• Jamaica Youth Advocacy Network - #YouthAgainstViolence: Addressing youth violence in Kingston and Western Jamaica by providing conflict resolution training and raising awareness about gender-based violence.

• Fi Wi Children Foundation—Mek Wi Reason Conflict Resolution Workshop for Youth: Training students at Mona High School in conflict resolution and emotional well-being, fostering peaceful interactions in schools.

Globally, the CFLI funds approximately 650 projects annually and has been funding projects in Jamaica for more than half of its 50-year existence. Over the past five years alone, more than 35 projects across the island have benefitted from CFLI funding. The CFLI continues to play a pivotal role in supporting small-scale, high-impact projects that align with Canada’s international priorities, fostering community resilience and sustainable development. By investing in these projects, the Government of Canada is not only addressing immediate needs but also laying the foundation for long-term development and progress.

About the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI)

The CFLI supports grassroots, community-driven projects in developing countries that align with Canada’s international engagement priorities. The fund aims to improve the lives of marginalised populations by addressing local challenges and advancing sustainable, inclusive development.