Dominica & St Vincent: programs & priorities

ChildFund Australia's affiliate organisations in Dominica and St Vincent have been working in the Caribbean since 1985. In both countries, ChildFund assists approximately 98,000 children and their family members.

In Dominica and St Vincent, ChildFund's affiliate organisations help families establish income-generating activities, including animal raising, vending, gardening and shop keeping. Not only do these activities supplement the family's income, but also provide skills training in basic management and record keeping.

ChildFund in Dominica and St Vincent supports community-based health interventions including immunisation programs, diarrhoea and malaria prevention, access to clean water and proper sanitation and community-based approaches to unique problems.

Nutritional supplements are also provided for underweight and undernourished children. Growth monitoring is used to ensure each child's healthy development. In particular, ChildFund is focused on improving the living conditions of children through awareness and assistance programs.

Development in progress

In partnership with UNICEF, the Caribbean Support Initiative and the Bernard van Leer Foundation, ChildFund in Dominica and St Vincent is implementing an innovative program focused on the prevention of child sexual abuse.

ChildFund is also working closely with children with disabilities; ensuring that where possible they can attend mainstream schools. A formalised curriculum and training for preschool teachers has also been established.