NEEDS ASSESSMENT REPORT FOR THE REPLICATION OF THE ROVING CAREGIVERS PROGRAMME IN ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES Prepared By Monica Thomas Woodley For Caribbean Support Initiative Bridgetown, Barbados May 2004 TABLE OF CONTENTS i. ------ Acknowledgements……………………………………………….. 3 ii. ----- Glossary of Acronyms…………………………………………… 4 iii. Terms of Reference………………………………………………. 5 iv Map Of St.Vincent And The Grenadines ………………….. 7 Chapter 1.0 INTRODUCTION 8 1.1 Rationale………………………………………………………... 8 1.2 The Roving Caregivers Programme (RCP)…………………..… 9 1.3 Involvement of St. Vincent and the Grenadines …………………. 10 1.4 The Significance of the Needs Assessment / Justification for the RCP…10 1.5 The Conceptual Framework……………………………………….. 11 Chapter 2.0 RESEARCH FOCUS 13 2.1 The Statement of the problem………………………………….. 13 2.2 Sub-Problems…………………………………………………… 13 2.2.1 Absence of Daycare…………………………………….. 13 2.2.2 Reaching the un-reached parent…………………………. 13 2.2.3 Health Issues……………………………………………… 13 2.2.4 Poverty and economics………………………………… 14 2.2.5 Policies and programmes……………………………….. 14 2.3 Literature /Document Review …………………………………... 14 2.4 Definitions, Assumptions, Limitations, Delimitations…………….. 15 Chapter 3.0 CONTEXTUAL SITUATION 16 3.1 Demography …………………………………………………….. 16 3.2 Economic Context………………………………………………… 18 3.3 Community Profiles………………………………………………. 19 3.3.1 Barrouallie…………………………………………………. 19 3.3.2 Byera………………………………………………………. 21 3.3.3 Sandy Bay………………………………………………… 24 3.4 Collaborating Agencies………………………………………….. 27 3.4.1 Government Agencies 27 3.4.1.1 The Ministry of Health and the Environment………… 27 3.4.1.2 The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports ……… 28 3.4.1.3 The Ministry of Social Development, Co-operatives, Gender, Family and Ecclesiastical Affairs…………….……… 29 3.4.1.4 The Family Court……………………..…………………29 3.4.2 Non-Government Organizations 29 3.4.2.1 Vinsave……………………………………………… 30 3.4.2.2 Christian Children Fund……………………………… 31 3.4.2.3 Marion House………………………………………… 32 3.4.2.4 National Society Of Persons With Disabilities………… 32 1 SVG Needs Assessment Report 6-29-04 Chapter 4.0 METHODOLOGY 33 4.1 Design and Instruments…………………………………………… 33 4.2 Data Collection - Indicators……………………………………….. 34 Chapter 5.0 DATA ANALYSIS 36 5.1 First Sub-Problem – Children and Child-care…………………….. 36 5.1.1 Child Population Data in targeted areas …………………. 36 5.1.2 Childcare Provision……………………………………….. 37 5.1.3 Financial Implications…………………………………….. 38 5.1.4 Children with Special Needs………………………………. 39 5.2 Second Sub-Problem – Parents…………………………………. 40 5.2.1 Current Status……………………………………………. 40 5.2.2 Public Assistance………………………………………… 42 5.2.3 Parents of Children with Special Needs…………………. 42 5.3 Third Sub-Problem – Health Issues……………………………… 43 5.3.1 Health Services………………………………………….. 43 5.4 Fourth Sub-Problem – Poverty and Economics…………………… 44 5.5 Fifth Sub-Problem – Policies and Programmes…………………… 46 Chapter 6.0 Community Consultations 47 6.1 Barrouallie………………………………………………… 47 6.2 Byera…………………………………………………….. 48 6.3 Sandy Bay……………………………………………….. 49 Chapter 7.0 ROVERS……………………………………………………….. 51 Chapter 8.0 SUMMARY OF FINDINGS and RECOMMENDATIONS 52 8.1 Justification…………………………………………… 52 8.2 Findings and Recommendations……………………….. 52 8.2.1 OtherGeneralFindings………………………. 55 Chapter 9.0 CONCLUSION 56 Bibliography / References List of Tables List of Photographs APPENDICES A. Definitions of Disabilities B. Focus Group Questions C. Flyer for Community Meeting D. Community Meeting Questions E. Interview Questions F. Application Form for Rovers G. Lists of Parents and Children in the Targeted Communities 2 SVG Needs Assessment Report 6-29-04 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Cover Page Photo of Ms. Amor Jackson, Community Worker; young mother Vanda Frederick, holding daughter, Vannasha. Many persons were helpful in the development and completion of this Needs Assessment Study. The Consultant extends gratitude to all those named and unnamed for contributions great and small. Persons were especially generous and kind in sharing data and other information relating to parents and birth to 3 year old children: CSI personnel in Barbados for kind efficiency in initial contacts regarding the consultancy. Mrs. Judith Hull-Ballah, RCP Coordinator and ECCD Director, for constant and continuous guidance and support. Mr. Francis Joseph, Director CCF Dominica, for providing techniques based on his RCP experience and sharing material developed by Dominica. Members of the RCP Management Committee Directors of the Collaborating Agencies: Vinsave; CCF; Marion House; NSPD CCF Field Staff in Barrouallie and South Rivers Staff of the Ministry of Social Development, Family and Gender Affairs for sharing significant data. Ms. Amor Jackson, Ministry of Social Development Community Officer, who canvassed Barrouallie and introduced the Consultant to the inner most parts. The Nursing Staff of the three targeted community Health Centres. Ms. Pat Fraser, UN Volunteer, Sandy Bay. Ms. Avarene Daniel and Ms. Eucina Thompson, who traveled with the Consultant and helped with note-taking. The several service providers, parents and community persons who were interviewed and contributed to the Focus Groups and Community meetings 3 SVG Needs Assessment Report 6-29-04 GLOSSARY OF ACRONYMNS BvLF Bernard vanLeer Foundation CAP Children Against Poverty CBO Community Based Organizations CCF Christian Children Fund CSI Caribbean Support Initiative CWSA Central Water and Sewerage Authority CWSN ChildrenWith Special Needs ECCD Early Childhood Care And Development ECD Early Childhood Development GDP Gross Domestic Product MH Marion House NGO Non-governmental Organization NESDC National Economic and Social Development Council NSPD National Society of Persons with Disabilities OECS Organization of Eastern Caribbean States PPP Pillars for Partnership and Progress – OECS Education Reform Strategy:2010 RCP Roving Caregivers Programme SVG St. Vincent and the Grenadines VINSAVE St. Vincent and the Grenadines Save the Children Fund YAP Youth Assistance Programme (MH) YES Youth Empowerment Services (Govt.) YPEP Young Parents Empowerment Programme (MH) 4 SVG Needs Assessment Report 6-29-04 TERMS OF REFERENCE CONSULTANT FOR NEEDS ASSESSMENT AND PROPOSAL DEVELOPMENT FOR THE ROVING CAREGIVERS PROGRAMME IN ST. VINCENT & THE GRENADINES Introduction The Caribbean Support Initiative established by the Bernard van Leer Foundation is a five-year regional programme with a thematic focus on parenting initiatives in Early Childhood Care and Development. In 2002, Dr. Didacus Jules carried out a study to examine the feasibility of replicating identified best practices in parenting support programmes and the steps that need to be taken to facilitate replication. St. Vincent & The Grenadines was identified as one of the four countries to begin replication on a phased basis. As a result, a national consultation was held in January 2004 to review the report submitted by Dr. Jules and to make recommendations on the shape, scope and procedure for the pilot project on parenting. A team of four persons involved in Early Childhood Care and Development programmes in St. Vincent visited Jamaica in November 2003 to observe the administration and operation of the Roving Caregivers programme in the parish of Clarendon. On the team’s return, further discussion identified the need for a needs assessment to guide the preparation of the funding proposal. The Committee agreed that the target areas would be Barrouallie, Byera and Sandy Bay. Terms of Reference The Consultant will be engaged to achieve two main objectives: 1. Conduct a needs assessment that will provide: • Contextual background information with specific reference to selected areas. • Background information based on key information and documentary sources on selected communities, families and children from birth to three years. 2. Prepare a proposal to be submitted for funding of the project. Based on the objectives, the Consultant will prepare a report of the needs assessment that will include: • Justification for the project; • A topographical description of the targeted area; • Population data including the number of families and children in the birth to three years group; • The level of poverty based on the poverty assessment conducted; • A brief description of the collaborating agencies within the locations; 5 SVG Needs Assessment Report 6-29-04 • Community resources that may be available to the programme; • Availability of caregivers; • The inclusion of children with special needs; • Recommendation for community mobilization; • Sample pictures to highlight the issues. It is also expected that the Consultant will prepare a funding proposal that will include: • A problem statement; • A description of the programme ( a revised replication plan); • Sustainability options; • Job descriptions; • Time lines, and • A budget. The Consultant will employ strategies that are necessary and appropriate for completion of the outputs specified and shall include: - Conducting relevant research, interviews and reviewing relevant documents for the satisfactory completion of the needs assessment; - Consulting with the steering committee and staff of The Ministry of Education and other ECD stakeholders; - Visiting targeted sites for necessary inputs. The report and funding proposal should be submitted in Microsoft word format on both diskette and hard copy. 6 SVG Needs Assessment Report 6-29-04 MAP OF ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/islands_oceans_poles/st_vincent_rel96.jpg Note: Byera is situated close to & S of Georgetown; Sandy Bay is further N of Orange Hill. 7 SVG Needs Assessment Report 6-29-04 Chapter 1: INTRODUCTION 1.1 Rationale “Every Child A Chance” is the slogan of the current government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, particularly as they strive for universal secondary education. Current educational wisdom concurs that every child deserves a chance to reach his/her optimal potential. The most assured way is through effective parenting. This Needs Assessment study is a critical element of the regional Early Childhood Parenting project sponsored by the Bernard van Leer Foundation (BvLF). The Caribbean Support Initiative (CSI) was established by the BvL Foundation for a five year regional programme with a thematic focus on parenting initiatives in Early Childhood Care and Development. The replication of the successful Roving Caregivers Programme (RCP) in Jamaica is one chosen vehicle for addressing regional concerns of inappropriate parenting in the Caribbean – particularly within the poorer communities. In 2002 Dr. Didacus Jules was commissioned to do a study that might support the following major objectives of the CSI as he reviewed the RCP and other existing programmes in the OECS countries: To promote good parenting practice in early childhood education with specific emphasis on high risk groups; To share parenting knowledge in early childhood development To build capacity in parenting for early childhood development Dr. Jules identified some common core elements that stood out in all of the early childhood programs that were examined or visited:1 • Strong recognition of the importance of parenting education in early childhood development • Parents seen as partners; as teachers; as core influence and the home as a site of primary transmission • Targeted interventions seen as important and cost effective means of reaching the marginalized • Increasing convergence between education and health sectors. Broad health education concerns and specific crisis interventions being incorporated into education programming • A growing focus on fathers – the widespread absence of fathers at almost every level of engagement relative to their social and domestic responsibilities has spurred social workers and policy makers to search for new modalities of engagement of fathers. 1 1Report - A Regional Framework for Parenting Education, Report and Recommendations, Prepared by Dr. Jules, Didacus, for the Caribbean Support Initiative, Section 4.2, p.2 8 SVG Needs Assessment Report 6-29-04 These features or areas of concern must be taken into consideration in the development of any new parenting initiative, and fits well into a Roving Caregivers Programme. It is quite fair to suggest that significant concerns, as well as the CSI objectives, relate specifically to those Caribbean families who may be classified as economically disadvantaged. Hence Dr. Jules suggests that regional initiatives in early childhood parenting must ask the critical question of “how do we reach the unreached?” Continuing, he surmises that three critical gaps need to be taken into consideration in the design of parenting education programs: Box 1 Critical Gaps in designing Parenting Education Programmes Gaps in early childhood provision – in several countries provision is less than half of the demand……In most countries, there is either a tacit or explicit acceptance by government that early childhood education is an area in which private participation can help ensure universal coverage. Gaps in parenting education – the major deficiency in this area is the difficulty of reaching thjose most in need… Gaps between policy and action; legislation and enforcement. In most Caribbean countries, thanks to the concerted lobby presented by NGOs and international agencies, policy and legislative frameworks are more advanced than actual action towards improvement of early childhood provision. (Jules Report 2002 Sec 4.1 Design Principles)2 1.2 The Roving Caregivers Programme (RCP) The Roving Caregivers Programme (RCP) has proved to be successful in Jamaica, and to date is being developed in other countries in the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), namely Grenada, the Commonwealth of Dominica and St. Lucia. The obvious and critical need for such a programme in St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) is evident. However, it is essential to properly examine the situation, conditions and peculiar circumstances in SVG before commencing any efforts to begin design and implementation. This Needs Assessment will inform the feasibility of conducting the RCP in SVG. The context and parameters of this study will encompass those gaps identified in Box 1 by the Jules 2002 report. Further, should this study indicate justification and feasibility of the RCP, its findings are to be incorporated in the required Funding Proposal that will determine the availability of resources for its implementation. (See the Terms of Reference p v) Given the relatively small size of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, national information and data are critical in order to fully understand the issues and conditions in the specific areas targeted for the RCP in SVG. These are Barrouallie, Byera, and Sandy Bay. 2 Ibid Jules, Section 4.1, p.1 9 SVG Needs Assessment Report 6-29-04 1.3 BACKGROUND TO SVG INVOLVEMENT IN THE RCP TO DATE In order to prepare for the SVG Replication of the RCP, a Ministerial delegation of four traveled to Jamaica to have a first hand experience of the RCP in May Pen. Certain structures had to be put in place to proceed. At a meting with the Senior Education Officials it was decided that Ms. Judith Hull-Ballah was to be appointed as the RCP Coordinator, since she was already an active member of the Steering Group of the CSI. In January 2004, a Management Committee was established from among government, private and NGO sectors. At a subsequent meeting VINSAVE was elected by secret ballot to serve as the Lead Agency of the Project. A local consultant was retained in April 2004, to conduct a Needs Assessment of the viability of the RCP in SVG, and to assist in the preparation of a Funding Proposal for Implementation. 1.4 THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE NEEDS ASSESSMENT / JUSTIFICATION FOR THE RCP The first three years of a child’s life are critical for his/her development. For the most part governments have agreed – invariably tacitly – that this life-period of learning and development is best left to parents and the private sector. This study examines the harmful existing limitations of this approach, particularly among the least advantaged in the society, and demonstrates the critical need for the type of collaborative intervention that can be provided by the Roving Caregivers Programme (RCP). In essence, this Needs Assessment study will provide the justification of the need for a parenting programme. Not only will it attempt to show good reason or not for the Roving Caregivers Programme in SVG, it will provide some empirical data to highlight the shortcomings of current practices and policies with regards to the raising of children. Justification appears to be a given in SVG. Without exception, persons questioned informally agreed unhesitatingly that such a programme was in dire need particularly in the poorer and rural communities: One such person, recalled that going out with her Church visitation group, they observed a yard encompassing several small houses. The visiting team was horrified to see the negative interaction in the small space and particularly the manner in which the children were being treated. One boy was literally being ‘banged about’ by his mother. The intervention of the visitors was met with the holler that “de boy so bad, it’s the only thing me could do when me ketch he – bang him”. A pediatric nurse at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital in Kingstown, echoed the sentiment, that the parents need a lot of help in understanding how to rear their children. The abuse and neglect that small children receive is an issue of grave concern. She referred particularly to abuse in relation to “visiting relationships” – boyfriends, baby- 10 SVG Needs Assessment Report 6-29-04 sitters etc. Another child worker said that in some rural areas, mothers spend the whole day gambling, with their children on their laps. Further, too often we read in the local newspapers of such incidents as occurred in Sandy Bay on the night of March 29, 2004 when a one month old baby was burnt to death, while her 15 year old mother stated that she went to the shop to buy diapers (The News, Friday April 2, 2004). Another important component of this assessment is the specific inclusion of children with disabilities, to whom all of the above applies. The study looks specifically at this group of children, frequently numbered among the poor and disadvantaged. They are often excluded from care, and stimulation at home or in an institution; some still face a life of shame. Even where the children with special needs (CWSN) are in one of the four places of special learning and care in SVG, parents often need support and assistance in learning how to care for these children at home. In SVG the age range of CWSN will not be limited to three years. Such inclusion in the RCP will further increase the value of the programme significantly. Anecdotal data as described may not be directly captured in the statistics collected, but they form an important link to the data used in this Needs Assessment, and cry out for interventions to alleviate the tragic child-rearing practices currently found particularly in rural communities, and among the large numbers of teen and young mothers. As solutions are sought to these troubling situations, the need for an integrated, holistic national approach to early childcare becomes very apparent. Holistic in the child’s care, development and well-being – physical, emotional, spiritual, cognitive; and integration in the policies, programmes and persons involved in providing the care, development and well-being. The core principles of the Roving Caregivers Programme most suitably apply to a balanced approach to parenting for both child and parent. 1.5 THE CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK The scope of the Needs Assessment is an examination of the current status of parenting and early childcare in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and more specifically, the selected areas of Barrouallie, Byera and Sandy Bay; and a review of the RCP as a possible means of realizing the desired state. The process may be simply visualized as follows: Table 1. NEEDS ASSESSMENT KEY QUESTIONS WHERE HOW WHAT Are .. Where are we now? How do we know where the issues? the needs? we are now? the strengths? the weaknesses? Where do we want to be? How do we get there? the opportunities? the threats? the barriers? The Conceptual Framework (Table 2), encapsulates the issues and problems that form the basis and direction of this Needs Assessment. The context of the assessment is the 11 SVG Needs Assessment Report 6-29-04 feasibility of the Roving Caregivers Progrmme that has been proposed for operation in the rural communities of Barrouallie, Byera and Sandy Bay. Table 2. NEEDS ASSESSMENT CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK FOR THE ROVING CAREGIVERS PROGRAMME PRESENT STATE DESIRED STATE Inadequate Child-rearing practices Effective Parenting A number of children in ‘at risk’ situations. Realization Of Child’s Full Potential National Development And Prosperity CHILD AT RISK IMPACT OF POLICIES/ CHILD REALIZED (Current Status) PROGRAMMES (Outcomes/Results) Poor/Ineffective Parenting Impact of Policies/ Well-being paramount Programmes/ Initiatives Healthy; Safe & Protected Stimulated; Happy Created by … Determined by …. Produced by … Poverty Governance Effective Parenting Characteristics – Parent, child, Government Commitment Characteristics: household: - Lack of assets - Poverty Strategies / - Education - lack of education, skills, Programmes - Training training - Sector Plans - Economic participation - lack of or under Millennium Goals - Motivation/Care/Stimulation of employment - status in SVG children with disabilities - poor parenting - Desire to enable child to realize - overcrowded homes Population Questionnaire her/his full potential - inadequate utilities Report - Strong values - lack of motivation - Empowerment - low self-esteem Economic & Social Context - single teen mothers - NESDC - poor health - PRTF - persons with disabilities - Social Investment - lack of safety & Fund protections NGO Involvement Success Stories/Progs. - rural areas - CAP - lack of community Existing Programmes - Roving Caregivers Programme organization Causes: Legal Frameworks Commitment to - Lack of Education - Local governance - Self - Poor Nutrition - National - Child well-being - Health Issues - Regional - Community participation - Socio-Economic Factors - International Signatories - Community Development o Unemployment o Social Status o Low Self-esteem 12 SVG Needs Assessment Report 6-29-04 Chapter 2.0: RESEARCH FOCUS 2.1 The Statement of the problem The major concern with regards to child-rearing as identified by the Bernard van Leer Foundation is poor parenting skills that result in placing a large percentage of Caribbean children at risk. Poverty has been named as one factor that creates the societal ills that put poor families at higher risks. The situation is further compounded in the region by a poor economic outlook due to the liberalization of the Banana industry; a globalization of trade encounters that tend to disfavour the Caribbean region; the aftermath of the attack September 11, 2001 on the United States of America; and the subsequent war in Iraq. In St. Vincent and the Grenadines, as in most other OECS countries, concerns are paramount with regards to the effect of inadequate and more so, inappropriate, parenting skills on the health, safety, education and development of our very young and vulnerable children - children who are the backbone of the future. Parenting education then can be seen as a practical approach to a problem of low educational attainment and achievement in the rural areas that creates unemployment, low income and a sense of powerlessness. The hypothesis of this study therefore, is that empowered parents with effective parenting skills and practices can result in the optimal development of the Caribbean child, and consequently the economic and social well-being of the family, country and region. 2.2 Sub-Problems Several sub-problems evolve from the major problem outlined - inappropriate child- rearing practices particularly among impoverished rural communities - that must be considered in order to properly address the key issues that will inform the Needs Assessment study. 2.2.1 The first sub-problem is the limited day-care in SVG. There are no Day Care Centres in the three targeted areas. This lack .. (i) affects the infant child’s socialization and readiness for pre-school; (ii) often leaves the child at the mercy of a needy parent lacking in parental values, skills and education; or (iii) places the child in an inadequate childcare situation – home or center based. 2.2.2 The second sub-problem speaks to reaching those parents who most need the support and education that child stimulation and parental educational programs may provide. 2.2.3. The third sub-problem relates to health issues and the serious – oft times life-threatening - illnesses and accidents to which the young child is exposed, due to 13 SVG Needs Assessment Report 6-29-04 parental neglect or child-rearing ignorance. It also speaks to issues surrounding the care and nurturing of children with disabilities. 2.2.4. The fourth sub-problem deals with issues of poverty and economics – one of the fundamental issues affecting parents and impacting on early childhood care and development. 2.2.5. The fifth and final sub-problem is that of the impact of policies – or lack thereof – on parenting and early childhood care and development. These include education, social, legal and economic policies. 2.3 LITERATURE / DOCUMENTS REVIEW “The first years of any child’s life are critical to that child’s development. No amount of help and support provided in later years can overcome a deficit in development caused by early neglect. Failure to address a child’s need for early education and development will cost society as a whole as the child matures, in terms of potential skills not realized, lack of economic progress, and social dysfunction.”3 In the Caribbean, the impact of poverty and socio-economic conditions are an issue of immense concern; as is the value of family and effective parenting; and conversely the deleterious impact of poor parenting on young children -from pre-natal and primary care – and on the society as a whole. The OECS Education Reform Strategy document “Foundation for the Future” has guided education development in the sub-region of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) since 1990. Ten years later its sequel was developed entitled the “OECS Education Reform Strategy:2010 - Pillars for Partnership and Progress”, taking account of new developments and challenges facing the sub-region that have arisen since the 1990s. The following ECCD General Philosophy stated in the Pillars for Partnership and Progress (PPP)4 provides (i) a revised thrust in Strategies for reforming ECE; (ii) a theoretical and intellectual impetus and justification for the Roving Caregivers Programme; and (iii) provides a picture of the desired state of parenting and child care. “Early childhood education is conceived as education to foster and nurture the cognitive, social, emotional, moral and physical development of young children. It is education to assist in their development levels as well as to promote their readiness to enter the formal school system. The provision of early childhood education must be particularly sensitive to socioeconomic inequities since some types of early intervention and stimulation could arrest and probably reverse 3 Lundy, Christine, Summary Report, UNICEF 2nd Caribbean Conference on Early Childhood Education, Dover Convention Centre, Barbados, 1-5 April 1997, p.2 4 Miller, Errol; Jules, Didacus; Thomas, Leton; Pillars for Partnership and Progress – The OECS Education Reform Strategy: 2010, December 2000 14 SVG Needs Assessment Report 6-29-04 conditions with far reaching adverse effects. Because of this strong preventative aspect, early childhood education can be the most effective component of social compensatory programmes.”5 The PPP refers to other recent trends and developments such as (a) “knowledge management” – that which creates inequities not just between developed and developing nations, but locally between rich and poor, and between urban and rural conditions; and (b) “affective development” which speaks of “accelerated social decline fuelled by the rise of the drug culture and reflected in the demise of family and community structures, ….and the greater prominence that is now given to the inculcation of attitudes, values and behaviours appropriate to the “Ideal Caribbean Person” through the achievement of social skills …”6 The extensive material sourced for this Needs Assessment will be utilized and referenced throughout the study and will be identified in the accompanying Bibliography. Specifically RCP-related material reviewed includes the Reports of the Roving Caregivers Programme in Jamaica, Replications in Dominica and St. Lucia, and the Regional Framework For Parenting Education Report and Recommendations by Dr.Didacus Jules(2002) prepared for the Caribbean Support Initiative (CSI). 2.4 Definitions, Assumptions, Limitations, Delimitations Definitions: From the outset, it is essential to understand the definition for the various terminologies used in reference to early childcare and education. However, it must be borne in mind – and indeed it will become obvious throughout the study that there are no clear lines of demarcation between the various categories and types of early child care: Day care – A Centre for the care of infants and children from birth to 4 years. Nursery - A Centre for the care of children from 2-4 years. Pre-School – A Centre for learning and the care of children from 3 – 5 years. A definition of Terms relating to Disabilities is attached as an Appendix. Assumptions: that material and data are readily available in order to facilitate this study. that parents and community organizations will be cooperative in providing information, and that they will be willing participants in the development of recommendations from the Findings. Limitations: The time allotted for the completion of this study and the subsequent Funding Proposal (April 5 to June 30, 2004) allows for relatively short time-lines in completing a quality study. However, the expectation is that a focused and cooperative effort will produce a 5 Ibid. Pillars for Partnership and Progress, 2000, p 24 6 Ibid, p.9 15 SVG Needs Assessment Report 6-29-04 substantive and timely assessment of the needs as outlined in the Consultant’s Terms of Reference for the RCP development for St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Delimitations: The main delimitation is the unavailability of the 2001 National Housing and Population Census. The challenge to the Consultant is to employ creative measures and research techniques that will uncover the required data and information needed for a comprehensive needs assessment. It may be necessary to utilize some different years for different indicators, without compromising consistency and accuracy in analysis. Another factor that affects the study is that the most recent Poverty Assessment in SVG was done in 1996. Time does not permit this study to conduct a Poverty Assessment of the target areas. However, the 1996 data will be used in tandem with current data in analyzing situations as required. Further, it is expected that a Poverty Assessment will be an early activity of the Social Investment Fund that is currently being established. Other delimitations are (1) that most statistics tend to provide data and indicators from 0 – 4 years. The target age for the SVG RCP is 0-3 years. (2) National statistics tend not to list Byera separately. The community is snuggled between the census areas of Colonarie (north) and Georgeotwn (south) and some data are merged with one or the other of these communities. Nevertheless we will find that the data can be used effectively with appropriate adjustments. Chapter 3: CONTEXTUAL SITUATION 3.1 DEMOGRAPHY and TOPOGRAPHY St. Vincent and the Grenadines is an archipelago in the Eastern Caribbean, lying 100 miles to the west of Barbados and comprises a total of 150 square miles. The country is comprised of a main island, St. Vincent, stretching some 40 miles from north to south, and a chain of 34 islands and cays, known as the Grenadines. The main islands in this chain of exotically beautiful coral-formed gems are Bequia, Mustique, Canouan, Mayreau, Union Island, Palm Island and Petit St. Vincent. The mainland, St. Vincent is very mountainous. The populated areas surround almost the entire coastland. The coastal lands rise inland towards a mountainous Central ridge stretching from North to South, its highest peak being the dormant, or more so gently active volcano, La Soufriere, at the northern end over 4,000 feet above sea level. The last volcanic eruption was in 1979. Relatively good roads connect the towns and villages, except for an impassable section at the very north, close to the volcano, thus rendering it impossible to drive around the entire island, and distinctly separating the Leeward (west) coastal towns from those on the Windward eastern coast. In addition, the Atlantic ocean surges on the Windward side, creating contrasting beach conditions to the Caribbean sea- lined Leeward side and prohibiting easy sea-passage from one side to the other. This creates a sense of isolation of the most northern windward towns of Sandy Bay, Owia and Fancy. These towns are further separated by the phenomena of the Rabacca Dry River. 16 SVG Needs Assessment Report 6-29-04 This is a river emerging from the volcano, which is dry land most of the time. (See photo in Sec 3.3.3.) However, when it rains the river can unexpectedly “come down” in rushing torrents, totally cutting off transportation from one side to the other, creating enormous economic and social hardship for the child needing to attend school, or the parent to go to work on the other more economically active side of the river. In recent times schools are being built, and more economic activity developed on the northern side of the Rabacca River. The soil of St. Vincent is extremely rich and fertile. Farming remains one of the key means of sustenance, however the mountainous and rocky terrain can create difficulties and challenges in farming the land. As the land rises further inland, roads become tracks, crags, or extremely high inclines, creating limited access to develop and to transport produce or products, and even to general living conditions – particularly among the poor. Population Data St. Vincent is divided into five Parishes – St. David, St. Patrick, St. Andrew, St. George and Charlotte. A more recent tendency is to refer to the thirteen (13) Constituency Divisions, based somewhat on the population density. For instance, St. George’s Parish, which includes the capital of Kingstown, is now divided into four Constituencies. The Southern and Northern Grenadines form two remaining Constituencies The Preliminary 2001 Census report shows the population of SVG to be 107,598. In the absence of the 2001 Housing Census Final report, the following statistics from the CIA website provide the most currently found estimated demographical data. Table 3 SVG DEMOGRAPHIC DETAILS (EST)7 Population: 116,812 (July 2003 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 28.2% (male 16,755; female 16,163) 15-64 years: 65.5% (male 39,308; female 37,149) (2003 est.) 65 years and over: 6.4% (male 3,215; female 4,222) Median age: total: 25.3 years male: 25.1 years female: 25.5 years (2002) Population growth rate: 0.34% (2003 est.) Birth rate: 17.16 births/1,000 population (2003 est.) Death rate: 6.08 deaths/1,000 population (2003 est.) Net migration rate: -7.66 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2003 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.06 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.76 male(s)/female 7 http://www.odci.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/vc.html 17 SVG Needs Assessment Report 6-29-04 total population: 1.03 male(s)/female (2003 est.) Infant mortality rate: total: 15.7 deaths/1,000 live births female: 14.27 deaths/1,000 live births (2003 est.) male: 17.08 deaths/1,000 live births Life expectancy at birth: total population: 73.08 years male: 71.3 years female: 74.92 years (2003 est.) Total fertility rate: 1.95 children born/woman (2003 est.) 3.2 ECONOMIC CONTEXT Macroeconomic Context and Progress on Structural Reform8 Understanding the economic underpinnings and workings of the economy of SVG provides some measure of hindsight into possible poverty causality factors. The country’s small size and openness indicate a level of vulnerability to economic shocks (internal and external). This is compounded by a number of geographical factors – the existence of a volcano; the country lies in the path of the Atlantic hurricane belt; and its location along a major earthquake fault. In fact SVG has been classified as highly vulnerable, ranking 29 out of 111 developing countries (Commonwealth Secretariat, 1998). Poverty in SVG has grown to an unacceptable level despite a favourable economic showing over the last 20 years. An analysis of the economic performance reveals that growth in the economy has not fostered the sustainable human development of the populace. Some productive sectors, particularly manufacturing, have proven to be unreliable means of income generation and employment. Economic growth over the 1990 – 2000 period has been slower and more volatile than the previous decade. The strong growth exhibited in the previous period was fuelled mainly by agricultural exports, dominated by bananas. Other significant factors included concessionary funds, foreign direct investment in tourism and public investment in supporting infrastructure. The economy is strongly correlated to the performance of the banana industry. Erosion of preferential access, the liberalisation of the pricing regime coupled with a weak domestic capital market, forced some farmers out of the industry thus creating significant unemployment in rural banana communities. As of 2001 an estimated 52 percent of growers have left the industry since 1990 declining from 7,894 to 3,800.9 The economy has undergone structural transformation during the period 1990-2000. As the banana regime came under increasing pressure and concessional funds dried up, a diversification policy, which placed greater emphasis on the service sector - tourism and financial services in particular – emerged. 8 St. Vincent and the Grenadines Interim Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper, Prepared by the Poverty Reduction Taskforce of the National Economic and Social Development Council, June 2003, p.10 9 Windward Islands’ Banana Farmers Livelihood Study, 2001 18 SVG Needs Assessment Report 6-29-04 Table 4 SELECTED ECONOMIC INDICATORS 1997-2001 (Taken from the SVG I-PRSP) 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 Nominal GDP (EC$M) (Market Prices) 789.4 854.9 891.7 905.3 940.3 Real GDP Growth Rate (%) 3.1 5.7 3.6 2.0 0.2 Inflation (CPI) 0.8 3.3 (1.8) 1.4 (0.7) Banana Export Earnings (EC$M) 40.0 56.5 55.0 49.5 36.9 Gross Tourism Earnings (EC$M) 189.1 194.6 202.3 203.4 211.6 IN PERCENT OF GDP Central Government Current Savings 4.0 3.5 3.5 2.2 1.4 Public Sector Current Savings 8.4 8.2 8.2 5.3 6.1 Balance of Merchandise Trade (43.1) (45.0) (46.0) (33.1) (40.7) Current Account Balance (21.8) (19.8) (18.4) (7.8) (9.5) External Disbursed Outstanding Debt 29.9 31.5 48.5 47.8 48.8 Debts Service 3.9 3.2 3.7 3.2 3.3 PSIP 8.8 12.1 7.1 3.9 3.7 SOURCE: Statistical Office, Ministry of Finance and Planning Analyses for the purposes of this Needs Assessment will note significant drops in a number of features including the GDP, and the Banana Export Earnings, resulting in a negative impact particularly on the rural communities. Negative attitudes towards farming as a degrading occupation among the youth also take a toll on the economic prospects of reviving a diversified farming industry. Tourism appears to be the one growth area - which generally has little effect on the rural areas. The parent Support groups of the RCP may be one way of capitalizing on the growing Tourism industry, through income generating activities. Remittances from relatives living abroad are an invaluable source of income and sustenance to many families. 3.3 COMMUNITY PROFILES OF THE SELECTED AREAS FOR THE ROVING CAREGIVERS PROGRAMME 3.3.1 BARROUALLIE Barrouallie is situated in the Central Leeward constituency in the Parish of St. Patrick. It is approximately 15.0 square miles in size, and is bound by sea, elevated land and river. The main Leeward highway runs through the town. Over the past 20 years it has seen an increase in the population density. Table 5 Population of Barrouallie (1991 & 2001) Year H/H Males Females Total 2001 1582 2821 2638 5459 1991 1401 2564 2619 5183 Source:2001 Population and Housing Census Means of Sustenance/Livelihood The main means of sustenance in Barrouallie is fishing, the area being renowned for its Blackfish – a type of porpoise. Once popular whaling is now extinct, and even fishing is on the decline as export markets become scarcer because of demanding international fish 19 SVG Needs Assessment Report 6-29-04 operational standards that Barrouallie cannot afford. With its very rich soil, farming – both legal and illegal (marijuana farming) remains a source of livelihood and sustenance. Employment Unemployment is high, particularly among the 15 – 25 age group. The following table displays an important picture in terms of labour force participation among 15 + persons in Barrouallie. Regretfully 2001 census data is not available. However, trends of increased population and increased economic inactivity have appeared to continue. The significant increase in school attendance includes enrolments in various skills training classes, and in the recently established Secondary School in the area. Although the “home duties” number has fallen, many in that category are undoubtedly young stay-at-home unemployed mothers. This factor makes a good case for a programme like the RCP, which caters for both the young children and their mothers. Table 6 Economically Inactive Population 15 years and Over Economically Inactive Popula- Total Home duties Attended Retired Disable Year tion 15 + School Unable to Work 1980 2, 319 942 764 2 91 85 1991 3,049 1,148 674 233 149 92 Source: 1991 Population and Housing Census Report, Vol. 2, p.57 Infrastructure Most homes have electricity and potable water, invariably piped to the home. Most persons own their homes – of varying sizes and construction – and on squatting lands. Home ownership forms a sense of national pride, and ownership often comes at great sacrifice of even basic needs – even among the lower poverty quintiles. Well- constructed houses generally line the main roads, but to trek in, up and down is to uncover conditions of precipitous access, and shacks of old galvanize, wood, and wattle & daub. Public stand pipes and outside latrines are used in some of these areas where piped water is not in the roughly constructed lean-to’s. The roads on the Leeward Side where Barrouallie is located are surfaced well. Public transportation is accessible. Mini vans run frequently for those with the $6.00 to ride into Kingstown and back. 20 SVG Needs Assessment Report 6-29-04 One of the homes visited in Barrouallie Poverty The 1996 Poverty Assessment Report includes two Barrouallie communities in Kairi’s selection of “poor” communities. Keartons is included as an ‘escape’ community - one undergoing a turn around and escape from poverty. The 68 % objective estimate for Bottle and Glass, speaks of high levels of poverty. The Kairi report also finds 33.6% of Rural Households and 38.7 % of the rural population to be poor. Barrouallie no doubt would be featured in those statistics. Table 7 Selected Communities from the Kairi Poverty Assessment (1996) Selected Communities Socio-Economic Status Objective Self-Perceived Estimate of Poor Poor Keartons (Barrouallie) 34.8 65.2 Bottle and Glass (Barrouallie 68.0 80.0 Perception is said to be 9/10ths of reality. Not only must circumstances and conditions change, but those involved must themselves perceive their transformation - otherwise very little changes in reality. A community effectively involved in the RCP will see and feel changes that will lift them up emotionally and economically. Recreation Barrouallie is a Sports community, especially for the males with much involvement in Football (soccer), cricket and basketball. The girls play netball and rounders. Gambling is a frequent pastime in which young unemployed mothers are involved. They gather in known areas and play cards for money, often with their children hanging around, playing and picking up undesirable vocabularies, as the players jest, swear and argue. Alcohol and drug abuse are epidemic. When asked what data exists to verify his concern about levels of alcohol consumption , Police Station Sargeant Hazelwood produced a list of 62 licensed liquor shops (countless little joints remain unregistered). He further attested that 65 – 70 % of reported cases are alcohol related. 3.3.2 BYREA Demography, Topography, History Byera is a Carib word that means ‘boundary’. It was seen as the boundary between the Gransable Estate on the North and the Mt. William estate to the South. The entire area - now North Central Windward constituency was originally two estates owned by single families. One of which was said to be the largest coconut estate in the world. The people of Byera can trace their ancestry to estate workers of slaves and Caribs, and white plantation owners. Apparently in 1979 following the volcano-eruption devastation of the products (primarily arrowroot) the Mt. William estate, was given to the workers. VINSAVE was then the only organization working in the community, and was 21 SVG Needs Assessment Report 6-29-04 responsible for building a pre-School and a Community Centre, which continue to serve the community. Byera is a relatively small community included in the Georgetown enumeration district. It is bounded by the district of Colonarie on its southern end, and by South Rivers on its west and inland side, and Georgetown on the northern end. It is made up of several villages in very close proximity, creating challenges for this study in terms of clearly demarcating Byera. Information is therefore provided on the surrounding areas: (1) Because of the close vicinities, children outside of Byera proper may be included in the RCP pilot; (2) The inclusive area indicates the capacity for future growth of the project. The following information on their community of Byera in 2002, is taken from papers submitted by groups of students in training at the VINSAVE ECE Training Centre. . Table 8 POPULTION OF BYERA AND SURROUNDING VILLAGES VILLAGE MALE FEMALE TOTAL Mangrove 92 79 171 Byera 370 353 723 Byera Hill 265 239 504 Chester 266 245 511 Total 993 916 1,909 BYERA VILLAGE Houses Churches Community Schools Clinic Public Public Shops Centres pipe Bath 458 6 1 2 1 1 1 6 PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES Deaf Dumb Blind Fully Hypertensive 5 4 21 16 Source of three Tables above: Two Community of Byera projects by Vinsave ECE Trainees Byera is located on the Windward side of Kingstown (capital). The community is approximately 18.0 sq miles and is 18 miles from Kingstown.10 The 2001 preliminary Census report provides a slightly different village distribution for Byera, which is considered in terms of the RCP. Table 9 indicates that the number of Households has increased, but the total population has fallen between 1991 and 2001. In 1991 the female population was higher than the male (582 to 577); in 2001 the female population falls below the male 524 to 543. The suggestion is that the females – perhaps the better educated - are migrating from the area in search of a better living. 10 Two Group reports from Byera Youth for a VINSAVE community project 22 SVG Needs Assessment Report 6-29-04 Table 9 Preliminary Non-Institutional Enumerated Population by Enumeration Districts 07 – Georgetown Districts House Holds Male Female Total 2001 1991 2001 1991 2001 1991 2001 1991 Byera 148 165 281 352 279 363 560 715 ‘Georgetown’, 161 117 262 225 245 219 507 444 Grand Sable, Chester Cottage 309 282 543 577 524 582 1067 1159 Source: 2001 Population and Housing Census Preliminary Report Means of Sustenance / Livelihood In the 19th century economic activity ensued from the plantations/estates with crops of arrowroot, coconuts, cotton and the growing sugar cane industry. Industry was important back then and two tunnels were built. The Byera Tunnel which opened the Northern Carib country to the export markets of the more southern sea ports. The other was the Black Point Tunnel off the sea shore, cut to facilitate the transportation of sugar from the Grand Sable estate. Both these tunnels were engineering marvels for that time, and are still in existence today. Black Point no longer functions as a sea port. It is a popular tourist site and recreation area for locals. Farming continues to be the main stay, although economically Byera is no longer a major producing area of SVG. Residents own titled lands, few of whom have the resources to develop them as did former estate owners. Recently the government is attempting to revive the arrowroot industry. Marijuana growing makes a significant, though hidden, contribution to the community. There are no separate data for Byera in the 1991 Census on economically inactive population, but the report states that in 1991 the unemployment rate in Sandy Bay and Georgetown was 21.4%. This would have included Byera. Several persons are employed as public servants – teachers, police, nurses, road overseers and timekeepers. There are a few small shops the income from which is said to be negligent. Infrastructure Most residents of Byera own their homes – some albeit small and not of the predominant concrete blocks, steel and aluminum. The proximity to the rough and windy Atlantic ocean side of the island requires structures that would resist the elements of sea blast & rust. Yet it is surprising to note that many sub-standard houses are found at the water’s edge and continue to survive. The Anglican Primary school situated close to the coast line suffered extensive deterioration and was recently moved further inland. Piped water from the national Central Water and Sewerage Authority serves Byera. The majority of persons have electricity in their homes. Poverty Specific poverty assessments of Byera are not available. However, the levels of high unemployment, low educational achievement, migration of the better-educated women, and crowded homes are indicators that suggest a relatively high level of poverty in the area. The VINSAVE Students in Training group reports on the Byera Community lament the level of poverty, low income, and lack of participation in the community. To quote 23 SVG Needs Assessment Report 6-29-04 from one report: “ The lower class, which is the most majority of Byera people are unemployed and under-employed individuals. They are comprised of deserted mothers, physically and mentally sick or handicapped person, worthlessness, poverty powerlessness”11 Recreation Byera has a hard court, which is very much in need of repairs for safe sports use. Cricket and football are popular sports. The women do not appear to be involved in similar team sports outside of school where netball is the popular sport for women. Gambling is a regular past time for women. The Bye-Save Community Group, an off-shoot of VINSAVE, played a major role in developing the community during the past decade, including the management of the sole Pre-School in the area. Most of the active Committee members have now left Byera for greener pastures, reverting development to VINSAVE. Children at ByeSave Pre-School The Pre-School currently has an enrolment of 71 – 75 children ranging from 2 1/2 to 4 years old. 3.3.3. SANDY BAY (A resident – Mr. Joseph Roberts contributed to the Sandy Bay profile) Demography, Topography, History Sandy Bay is a rural predominantly Carib community on the North East Coast of mainland St. Vincent, with an area of 5.0 Sq Miles. It is situated within the largest parish of Charlotte and in the North Windward Constituency. The residents are mainly of Carib descent, whose foreparents were beneficiaries of land given to them by the State. Sandy Bay is the home of our first national hero, His Excellency Joseph Chatoyer, a Carib chief. Original ancestors of yellow and black Caribs, Africans, Indians, Whites create a rich mixture of races and shades of colour among the current people of Sandy Bay. 11 Conliffe Cleo; Jackson, Coleen,et al, Byera Youth Vinsave Community Report, p.23 24 SVG Needs Assessment Report 6-29-04 Sandy Bay lies under the La Soufriere volcano. There were volcanic eruptions in 1902 when many lives were lost in the area, and in 1979 where no loss of life was reported, but much damage to the crops and land occurred. Sandy Bay is separated form the rest of the island by the Rabacca Dry River emerging from the volcano. The river is dry land most of the time, but unexpectedly “comes down”(floods) in rushing torrents, totally cutting off transportation from one side to the other, creating enormous economic and social hardship for the child needing to attend school, or the parent to go to work in Georgetown and other more economically active areas south of the river. In recent times schools are being built, and more economic activity developed on the northern side of the Rabacca River. This Rabacca River separation of Sandy Bay presents particularly problems for that community, which would increase the benefit and need of the RCP. However, it also presents challenges in servicing the area – including transportation for traversing the River as well as the potholes, culverts and small ravines that abound. The land is fertile and conducive to productive farming. The 2001 preliminary census reports a total population of 1,107. Table 10 Preliminary Non-Institutional Enumerated Population by Enumeration Districts 08 – Sandy Bay Districts House Holds Male Female Total 2001 1991 2001 1991 2001 1991 2001 1991 Sandy Bay 232 217 599 530 508 510 1107 1040 Source: 2001 Population and Housing Census Preliminary Report Means of Sustenance / Livelihood The economic mainstay of the community is farming – mainly of cassava, sweet potatoes, tannias, bananas, limes and passion fruit.. There is some fishing and hunting for manicou and wild goats. A Bakery and several small shops are found. The reality is that the lack of development in the area, due to its geographic position of northern isolation beyond the Rabacca River, forces many to leave the area in search of better lives. Recent efforts – albeit slow, by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture to restore the rich Garifuna (black carib) history and pride, and to rediscover and renovate historical places of interest in the area, may contribute to the economic livelihood of persons. Table 11 Currently Economically Inactive Population 15 years and over Economically Inactive Popula- Total Home duties Attended Retired Disabled/ Year tion 15 + School Unable to Work 1980 1428 540 464 0 44 32 1991 1647 716 516 75 58 67 Source: 1991 Population and Housing Census Report, Vol. 2, p.57 25 SVG Needs Assessment Report 6-29-04 Infrastructure and Transportation Residents privately own most lands and homes. There are pockets of crown lands and some squatting occurs. The houses are mostly of reinforced concrete and blocks, and most are supplied with electricity and running water, and reasonably good sewage. A significant number of shacks and sub-standard structures are found off the beaten track. Several – probably squatters – can be found almost on the shores of the turbulent Atlantic ocean side. One can only imagine the danger and destruction when the seas rise and waves hurl during the hurricane season between June and November. A few outside pit latrines may still be found. The CWSA trucks collect solid waste once weekly, however there is evidence of garbage inappropriately disposed in many areas. The main road to Sandy Bay and beyond is not in good condition, and the side roads, most of which lead to poor homes, are in a poor state. The cost of return transportation to Kingstown by mini- bus is $12 -14.00. There is one government-owned Primary School, and two Church- owned pre-schools. Children attending secondary school have to cross the River over into Georgetown. The residents will say proudly that they are used to dealing with the Dry River – and well they must. However, for students and workers who need to cross regularly, it must be a hazardous source of inconvenience as one becomes marooned on one side or the other. Rabacca Dry River on a Rainy Day Poverty There is considerable poverty in the Carib Territory – north of the Rabacca River, which has been neglected and isolated over the years. This includes Sandy Bay. A consequence is that those persons who may be in a position to help to develop the communities move out. The Health Centre appears to be the sole permanent source of government assistance. Residents with any issues that would normally be dealt with by Family Services have to trek and finance the more than 30 miles into Kingstown or not bother. The latter is invariably the case. 26 SVG Needs Assessment Report 6-29-04 A Sandy Bay Residence Recreation There is a playing field named after a local, regional, international athlete and marathon runner – Pamenos Ballantyne. There is also a Sporting Facility called ‘Big Sand’. Gambling, alcohol and use of illegal drugs are pastimes. Persons now make use of courses in academic, cultural, and skills training offered in the community. A skills training facility exists, where women make crafts and put up for sale. Unfortunately the sale returns are so sparse that most of the women have dropped out in despair. The facility that used to be a Public School is in a deplorable state of disrepair, hardly encouraging for anyone to wish to enter to see the display. 3.4 Collaborating Agencies The question may be asked - are there not sufficient organizations already working with children and families? There are organizations doing commendable work. None however, go into the homes and work directly in stimulating infants and training parents in the most effective method of hands-on learning. Hence, one of the objectives of the operation of the Roving Caregivers Programme in SVG is to effect the collaboration of related organizations and Agencies in bringing un-fragmented service to the holistic development of the child, parent and family. The Consultant has interacted positively with government and non-governmental agencies. They have all expressed the urgent need for a programme such as the RCP, and also a willing readiness to contribute to its implementation and success. Each one has provided some type of assistance and generously shared documentation and data towards the Needs Assessment and Funding Proposal: 3.4.1 Government Agencies The following government Ministries have direct responsibility or relationships with the birth to 3 year old age group, and must be an integral part of the RCP. 3.4.1.1 The Ministry of Health and the Environment This Covernment Ministry has responsibility for all public health issues, providing “universal, equitable, sustainable, comprehensive quality primary, secondary, and tertiary 27 SVG Needs Assessment Report 6-29-04 health care and health education services to the population”.12 Health Services flow from pre-natal care through to all-age health and family life issues, naturally embraceing a number of social issues. At the primary care level, thirty nine Health Centres are spread over nine (9) Health Districts. Each Health Centre is staffed with a full-time District Nurse, a Nursing Assistant and a Community Health Aide. The Health Centres or Clinics in Barrouallie, Byera and Sandy Bay, are community focal points and the sources of much data for this study. They have all confirmed the need for the parenting service that the RCP offers. The 211- bed Milton Cato Memorial Hospital is the only Government acute care referral hospital, and provides specialist care in most major areas. Five hospitals with a combined 58-bed capacity, provides minimum level care in the rural areas. There are two small privately owned acute care hospitals with a total of 18 beds. 3.4.1.2. The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports This Government Sector is responsible for education at all levels in SVG. Enrolment into Primary Schools is approximately 98%. The low enrolment into secondary school suggests that a very significant number of young people have attained no more than a primary education, and are therefore among the unemployed youth that are a national concern. Included in this group are the young mothers that the RCP attempts to reach for parent training. The present government is making great efforts in increasing access to secondary education and to adult literacy classes, particularly for the previously excluded poor. This fact makes a stronger case for RCP early stimulation as a “head start” for the disadvantaged. Table 12 School Enrolment 2001/2002 Primary School Secondary School Tech & Vocation Public Schools 19,893 7873 Not Private 910 Available School for Children With Special Needs 78 Total 20,881 7,873 Source: Directory of Schools and Colleges 2001/2002 The department of the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD)Unit is situated within the Ministry of Education Youth and Sports. The ECCD Unit monitors /oversees pre-schools and educational-type matters relating to pre-primary children. The new government is committed to an increased focus on early childhood education. Goals established in the Education Sector plan for 2003-2005 include to i) Introduce statutory regulations for ECE, including the licensing of ECE schools; 12 Digest of Health Statistics 1998 – 2002; prepared by the Health Planning and Information Unit, Ministry of Health and the Environment, December 2003, p.2 28 SVG Needs Assessment Report 6-29-04 ii) Increase access to 50% of the ECE cohort by 2005 and 100% by 2010. Pre-Schools – usually private-sector driven are not financed through the Ministry of Education budget allocations. The Early Child Care and Development Unit is given an annual grant for the management of Pre-Schools: Table 13 Government Special Education Grant Allocations 2002 2003 2004 Pre-Schools $240,000. $300,000. $300,000. School for Children $12,000. $ 12,000. $ 12,000. with Special Needs Source: St. Vincent and the Grenadines Estimates (2003) Statutory Regulations will ensure that pre-schools for young children are appropriately managed, staffed and equipped. Regulations may further limit the number of spaces available to children who should actually be in Daycare centers and not pre-schools. The Ministry is aware of the need and value in extending developmental services and considerations further back to children from birth; of the limited services available for children between birth and three years of age; and the need for increased partnership with parents, the private sector, NGOs and the Churches in caring for the early child development years. Thus the leadership of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports is fully committed and will support the governance of the Roving Caregivers Programme as far as is feasible. 3.4.1.3 The Ministry of Social Development, Co-operatives, Gender, Family and Ecclesiastical Affairs This lengthy-named Ministry bears responsibility for the social and spiritual well-being of families. It is to the Family Services Unit that problems relating to children – need (physical, material, emotional), neglect, abuse, abandonment, etc. - are brought. The Gender Affairs Division has direct involvement in the issues of women with young children. They have a growing focus on fathers, men and boys. The Family Services Division operates a Foster Care Programme. The Ministry of Social Development also deals with matters of financial assistance in that they administer the Public Assistance programme; they attempt to locate delinquent parents in terms of child maintenance; they provide material assistance to needy families from school uniforms to building materials for housing. Currently, a process has begun to transfer some of these responsibilities that have legal implications to the Family Court. The Family Services and Gender Units are particularly interested in the RCP, and have already identified possible ways of collaboration. 3.4.1.4 Family Court The Family Court is another State Institution that impacts on the lives of young children and their families. The department has recently taken the initiative to reduce the 29 SVG Needs Assessment Report 6-29-04 fragmentation in dealing with families and is in the process of developing policy and a mechanism whereby parents, youth or children may access a single place for help with child-related issues. 3.4.2 Non-Governmental Organizations We have previously discussed the value of the management and administration of the RCP by NGOs. The Management Committee has elected VINSAVE as the RCP Lead Agency. The following are identified as collaborating agencies: 3.4.2.1 St. Vincent and the Grenadines Save the Children Fund (VINSAVE) The Save the Children Fund was established in the Windward Islands in 1963 with St. Vincent chosen as headquarters because of the serious problems associated with young children among them being infant mortality and malnutrition. The period 1963 - 1967 focused on combating malnutrition and gastroenteritis, through conducting medical clinics; distributing high protein food supplements of powdered milk and soya meal cereal; parent education programmes; and nutrition education. Milk clinics were set up in rural communities. In 1964, a Child Welfare Training Centre and a Daycare Programme were started in Kingstown. Training was offered to childcare workers throughout the Region. Between 1966 –68 sponsorship and international partnerships were developed to assist under- privileged children and their families. The Canadian Save the Children Fund (Cansave) took over the major financial responsibilities in 1969. Leadership development was the main focus, and a 20-bed student hostel was built at the Kingstown Headquarters. Soon programmes in self-reliance, education, skills training and income generating activities emerged. Early Childhood Education became a major focus, resulting in the establishment of pre-schools in Kingstown and in three rural communities. Since 1986 Vinsave has been a statutory body, governed by a Board of Directors, and receives a yearly subvention from the government. An average of 2000 young children - between the ages of birth to five years - benefit annually from its Early Childhood Education Programmes through its various Centres. At present (2004) Vinsave is nationally and regionally well-recognized and continues to provide care, support, training and advocacy as it promotes and supports the principles of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, through the media and in schools. Vinsave operates a regular Childcare Training programme, and often still includes students from the region. They also operate a Childcare Centre, that provides an on-site childcare training facilitate with the following current enrolment: 30 SVG Needs Assessment Report 6-29-04 Category Age Enrolment Babies Birth –18 months 20 Toddlers 18 months – 2 1/2 years 25 Pre-school 1 2 1/2 - 4 years 22 Pre-School 2 4 – 5 years 30 As Lead Agency for the RCP, Vinsave will have the opportunity of forging unprecedented partnerships between RCP selected organizations to achieve success in the development of vulnerable young children through transformed parenting among disadvantaged parents, while developing a cadre of trained community caregivers. Elements of these objectives and activities are found in all four agencies. Planned collaboration can only enhance all the programmes and bring a more holistic approach to the development of child, parents, family, community and nation. 3.4.2.2 The Christian Children’s Fund (CCF) The CCF is an international nongovernmental organization focusing on child development and assisting more than 4.6 million impoverished children worldwide, without regard for race, creed, gender or faith. CCF’s comprehensive programmes focus on health and sanitation, nutrition, early childhood care and development, micro enterprise development, emergence relief and education. The CCF- Caribbean operates in Dominica and in St.Vincent., with its regional office in Dominica. The agency has a strong early childhood development focus and is presently in its fourth year of providing a teacher training programme. The CCF has a Central Office in SVG which coordinates two major projects in St. Vincent: (1) The S.U.B project - in operation for over twelve years. The name S.U.B. original derived from the communities served – South Rivers, Union and Byera. Since then the expanded programme serves families in the communities of Sandy Bay, Byera, Colonaire, Park Hill, South Rivers, Mt. Greenan, Diamonds Village and North Union. (2)The Central Leeward Child Development project in Barrouallie is in its fourth year. The work of the CCF is supported by a Sponsorship component, which identifies children in need, and in essence supports the total family structure of that child. Child enrollment is generally between five and twelve years of age. The total family of each enrolled child indirectly and in somewhat limited ways becomes a part of the project. The CCF has an active presence in the areas selected for the RCP in SVG - Barrouallie, Byera and Sandy Bay. There is much mutual value to the RCP working collaboratively with the CCF in the field. The Roving Caregivers Programme proposes to work in an in-depth, home-based mode with infants from birth to three years and their parents. The CCF does home visits, providing material needs without the proposed intensity or consistency of the RCP. Collaboration between both projects would build and enhance the continued work with the families, providing the more holistic approach advocated by the RCP. 31 SVG Needs Assessment Report 6-29-04 3.4.2.3 MARION HOUSE Marion House is a Social Service Centre that offers holistic Programmes to the general public to enable service-users to lead better lives. Marion House opened its doors to the public on October 2, 1989, as a joint response to community needs by the Roman Catholic Church in St. Vincent and the National Children’s Home, a UK Agency with headquarters in Barbados. Its community services include youth and parental guidance; counseling; a Resource Centre; Spiritual development; agricultural instruction; dissemination of information; referrals and networking. In 2002, following the demolition by fire of their premises, the institution moved into brand new permanent quarters, just outside the capital of Kingstown. Marion House presently operates two primary programmes: (1) The Young Parents Empowerment Programme. (YPEP) (2) The Youth Assistance Programme. (YAP) Their goals are empowerment through training. The Marion House programmes have operated in communities in which the RCP has interest and include Georgetown, Calder, Peruvian Vale, South Rivers, Park Hill, Chester Cottage, and Sandy Bay. The overall goal of the YPEP is “ to work with parents/guardians to increase their individual self- confidence and self esteem, and empower them to take more control of their lives and greater responsibility for the development of their children.” The components of this programme include: - Child development - Discipline and Child Abuse - Self-esteem and personal development - Budgeting and nutrition - Family Relationships - Home management - Adult education - Backyard gardening The YPEP programme and goal has resonance with the Overall Goal of the RCP Programme – “Quality parenting support easily accessible to ‘at risk’ families”. The fieldwork element of the programme with young children is conducted in local Health Clinics. RCP collaboration with the MH will facilitate the sourcing of roving caregivers from the communities who are being or have been trained by the YPEP, while providing access to home-based training for the YPEP participants as Rovers. The RCP will also benefit from collaboration with the YPEP in the training of RCP parents. 3.4.2.4 The National Society of Persons with Disabilities (NSPD) The NSPD is an organization that coordinates or collaborates organizations and institutions involved with persons with disabilities and children with special needs. 32 SVG Needs Assessment Report 6-29-04 The Mission of the NSPD is to advocate for and promote effective measures for the prevention of needless disability and for the education, and training, rehabilitation, employment and welfare, and to facilitate the integration of persons with disabilities into the Vincentian Society. Its aims and objectives include the fostering of supportive relationships among persons with disabilities; public sensitization on related issues; and continuous empowerment through education and skills training. Collaboration between the RCP and the NSPD will provide a unique component of service in the care of young children with disabilities. Both groups share in the common cause of finding and reaching parents not easily reached. Chapter 4.0: METHODOLOGY 4.1 Design and Instruments The methodology of the study is descriptive, combining secondary quantitative and qualitative research methodologies. Utilizing the five sub-problems identified in Chapter 2 the study brings together for analysis data collected from the selected areas on the following: 1) current parental child-rearing conditions and identified needs 2) desired results as may be obtained through the Roving Caregivers Programme 3) the impact of current policies on #s 1and 2 above. The strategies employed were as follows: A close working and collaborative relationship with the RCP Coordinator, who has responsibility for the ECD Unit of the Ministry of Education Informal conversations with persons involved with children – parents, teachers, nurses, church teachers. Review of secondary/existing data from statistical digests, census reports, documents. Review of documentation – reports, policy papers, strategy documents, sector plans. Interviews with government and non-government agencies Visits to pre-schools in and outside of the three targeted areas. Visits to the School for Special Needs and to the Helping Hands Centre for children with severe disabilities. Visit to the Pediatric Ward of the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital. House to house visits in poverty areas Focus groups in the targeted areas. Community consultation meetings in each of the targeted areas. Interviews of service providers formed a key method of data gathering. The Gender Affairs and Family Services Unit of the Ministry of Social Development provided a great deal of their primary and secondary data. The methodology focus was a concentrated attempt to work closely with field officers – including nurses, from existing agencies in the areas. Names and referrals were sourced and provided through collaborating agencies - in particular CCF and the Health Clinics. 33 SVG Needs Assessment Report 6-29-04 The staff of the Health Centres in Byera and Sandy Bay were exceptional. The Byera facility was used for the Focus Group; Sandy Bay staff took on the role of assisting in mobilizing participants for the Focus Group and Community meeting. Some of the nursing staff from the three target areas actively participated in the Community meetings. House-to-house visits and one-on-one meetings with parents were conducted in Barrouallie, by a team comprising of the Consultant, the Ministry of Social Development Worker - Ms. Amor Jackson, and Ms. Ashak-I Thompson, of the Management Committee. Names of parents and children birth to three years old were collected; the RCP explained and reaction sought as to the viability of the programme. All were very enthused about the idea. Ms. Jackson provided invaluable assistance in taking the team into the impoverished areas. Focus Groups of parents and service providers; visits to schools for children with special needs; pre-schools, and a large community meeting in each of the three selected communities are all part of the methodology. Inclusivity was an important and consistent component. Every effort was made to encourage the active participation of the various stakeholders, the Management Committee and the collaborative agencies. Stakeholders represent a cadre of concerned persons and expertise whose contribution in data sourcing, planning and training would be critical to the success of the RCP in SVG. Fragmentation and duplication of efforts have previously been recognized as one of the barriers to successful poverty reduction. Instruments designed and utilized were in the form of Questionnaires, Household Surveys, Health Indicators tables. These are attached in the Appendix. Thus within the time limitations and delimitation of the unavailability of the 2001 national census figures, various localized sources provided sufficient qualitative and quantitative data for an informed analysis of the need for and feasibility of piloting the Roving Caregivers Programme in the proposed areas. 4.2 Data Collection Both qualitative and quantitative data collection were linked to the sub-problems identified in Section 2.2: 1. The lack of Day-Care Facilities 2. Reaching those parents most in need of parental support and education. 3. Health issues - including the care and nurturing of children with disabilities. 4. Issues of poverty and economics 5. The impact of policies – education, social, legal and economic – on parenting and early childhood care and development. The following indicators provided the basis for data collection. The expectation is that besides use for this initial Needs Assessment and Funding Proposal, the indicators would be utilized for further planning, training and monitoring protocols in the implementation and continual development of the RCP, and for other poverty-related initiatives: 34 SVG Needs Assessment Report 6-29-04 Box 2. Indicators That Inform Justification For The RCP 1. Children and Child Care 2. Parents and Households 3. Health Issues The number of children Average age of parent(s) Frequency of Prenatal under 4 years old in the Marital status of parent(s) visits country; Education of parent(s) Low Birth Weight the number of children Occupation of parent(s) Immunization under 4 years old in each of Average Income of Postnatal care the targeted areas; household(s) Frequency and types of the number of day care Size of households (s) Injuries and Illnesses centers in the country and Facilities and utilities Incidents of Neglect, areas; Pastimes and current child Abandonment, Abuse the type of care available to care situations/conditions Factors of diet: pre-schoolers; malnutrition, obesity the cost of care available to pre-schoolers; the number and identification of families of children with disabilities 2. Poverty and Economic Indicators Poverty and economics (in terms of employment, income, consumption rates) underpin what has been said previously.. Poverty alleviation, is the underlying principle of the Roving Caregivers Programme; it underscores the conditions particularly in the rural areas, that result in inadequate and inappropriate parenting, child neglect and abuse. Thus, indicators utilized for this Needs Assessment may be summarized in the poverty Indicators outlined by a World Bank poverty site: Box 3 Poverty Indicators (adapted) Poverty Indicators Access to an improved water source Access to an adequate amount of safe water Access to improved sanitation facilities Adult female illiteracy Adult mortality Child malnutrition Immunization rate Infant mortality. Maternal mortality Labour Force statistics National poverty rate or headcount index is the percentage of the population living below the poverty line deemed appropriate for the country by its authorities. Primary school enrolment Secondary school enrolment Public expenditure on education Public expenditure on health 35 SVG Needs Assessment Report 6-29-04 Public expenditure on social security and welfare Rural poverty rate Share of income or consumption..(Lowest quintile is the share accruing to the 20% of the population ranked lowest by personal or family income. Highest quintile is the share accruing to the 20% of the population ranked highest). Urban poverty rate or headcount index is the percentage of the urban population living below the urban poverty line. Source: http://www.worldbank.org/data/working/def2.html (adapted) As the RCP proceeds, data will be continuously sought in relation to the Poverty Indicators. An effective Monitoring and Evaluation system, with appropriate baselines is essential at the start of the RCP. Chapter 5.0 DATA ANALYSIS 5.1 First Sub-Problem – Children and Child-care 5.1.1 Child Population Data in targeted areas The total 2000 population of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) was 111,821. Children in the birth to 4 year age group total 12,688.13 According to the Janet Browne and Sian Williams (2000) report on the inadequacy of services provided by pre-primary schools in SVG, there were one hundred and eleven (111) Centres14. Note: In 2004 there are 128 registered Pre-Schools. Table 14. New Births from September 2000 – April 2004; Children with disabilities – 12 years and under - in RCP Targeted Areas New Births Bar- Byera Sandy Totals Sept 2000 – April 2004 rouallie Bay Children Mothers < 19 yrs 2000 (from Sept) 57 23 21 101 2001 99 39 10 39 177 2002 86 38 11 44 168 2003 86 40 6 47 173 2004 (to April) 33 6 2 (prenatal) 8 47 CWDisabilities <13 yrs 2 1 2 5 Total 363 147 161 671 Source: Community Health Centres – records of new births 13 Digest of Health Statistics 1998 – 2002, prepared by the Health Planning and Information Unit, December 2003, p.9 14 Report – Study to Assess the Needs and Adequacy of Services Provided by Pre=Primary Schools in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, by Janet Brown and Sian Williams, July 16, 2000 36 SVG Needs Assessment Report 6-29-04 Research thus far indicates that the total number of birth to 3 yr olds and children with disabilities under 12 years in the three selected communities is six hundred and seventy – one (671), for whom there is no appropriate daycare in their areas and who would be eligible for the Roving Caregivers Programme beginning in 2004. Table 15. National Population and Pre-Primary Centres (2000) Total Population (2000) 111,821 * Birth – 4 years 12,688 * Live Births 2,149 * Pre-Primary Services Centres 114 ** Source: * Digest of Health Statistics 1998-2002 ** Browne and Williams (2000) Table 16. Population and Pre-School Centres for Targeted Areas (2001) Community House- Population # of Pre-School Operators (Private, Holds (2001) Centres Church, CBOs) Barrouallie 1582 5463 2 1 church 1Community Byera* 309 1067 1 Vinsave Sandy Bay 622 2805 2 Churches (2) Total 2513 9335 5 2001 Population and Housing Census, Preliminary Report, prepared by Census Office *Byera = Georgetown, Grand Sable, Chester Cottage and Byera Table 16 of the three selected communities paints an even more dismal picture than the national – 5 Centres to serve a population of 9,335 and 2,513 Households. The SVG – Interim Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (2003) (I-PRSP)15 indicates that 70% of all children are not receiving any form of pre-primary education, and recommends that greater attention needs to be paid to this section of the country as (i) many poor persons are unable to access pre-primary services; and (ii) poor pre-school stimulation and school readiness can be a disadvantage to a child in doing well at school. Traditionally, policies governing Early Childhood Development tended to focus on institutions, and the number of available pre-school spaces. Current thought recognizes increasingly the impact of formulations from birth to three years, and the need to focus on the home of the child from its birth. The OECS Education document - the Pillars for 15 The SVG – Interim Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper, June 2003, p.45 37 SVG Needs Assessment Report 6-29-04 Partnership and Progress (PPP) refers to “affective development”16 – a concept that is reflected in its first objective for developing Early Childhood Strategies: “To provide appropriate training and education for all parents and caregivers of infants from birth to five years old.”17 5.1.2 Childcare Provision In discussing pre-school provision services, the Browne & Williams (2000) Assessment Report emphasizes a perennial problem of inappropriately mixed ages in pre-schools. It also reiterates the need for organized structures and for the development of regulations to govern this sector. Usually there are insufficient human resources to adequately pay attention to the needs of these varying ages, as seen in the following table: Table 17 Distribution of Early Childcare Provision 18 a) Home based childcare (six children or more in a private home, from 12 birth, some through full age band. b) Centre based child care (in building builtor adapted for purpose of 16 providing care, same age band as above c) Preschool Centres (children from age three up through five) 80 d) Infant departments of primary schools 2 e) Other (not specified) 4 Total 114 The above table provides another indicator of the current childcare situation – 28 childcare establishments (a + b)) for an estimated 10,000 children in the birth to 3 years age grouping in SVG. It may be further deduced that children in the capital Kingstown occupy most of those spaces, leaving the birth to 3 yr olds in the impoverished rural areas devoid of any kind of organized or other daycare. This confirms the earlier finding of the three selected communities for the RCP – 5 Centres for a population of 9,335 and 2,513 Households. Disaggregated by Age figures are not available for 2000. In reviewing the material presented by Brown and Williams (2000), it is obvious that several 1 –3 year olds are placed in centers that cannot properly provide optimal care for the child because of crowded space; large child/teacher ratios; and inadequate supervision given the wide mixed age ranges. Quite recently a fatal accident occurred in a local pre- school where while the teacher was busy changing the diaper of an infant, a 3 ½ year old child climbed up and pulled a cupboard down on himself causing his death. A full evaluation of some situations may suggest that it may be in the child’s best interest to be in a programme of home-based safety, stimulation and care with parents and Rovers. 16 Miller, Errol; Jules Didacus; Thomas Leton; Pillars for Partnership and Progress – The OECS Education Reform Strategy: 2010, p. 9 17 Ibid, p.24 18 Ibid., p.3 38 SVG Needs Assessment Report 6-29-04 5.1.3 Financial Implications Three types of financial/economic indicators impact on current situations of inadequate daycare: i. Government expenditure on pre-school development and education. ii. Amount of private resources available for pre-primary development. iii. Affordability of childcare for low-income parents. Public Expenditure on ECCD The 2003 Budget Address states that “Overall, the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports has been allocated $77.6m out of the total budget of $459.9m. When one adds other allocations of a similar nature under other Ministries such as the National Library, the National Stadium, the LRCs university education, training through the public service and the like the total figure jumps to in excess of $92m or 20% of the total budget.” 19 The question is how much of it actually goes towards early childcare and development? ECCD is not a Budget item, but is allocated an annual Grant of $300,000. This raises the question as to which sector budget should reflect ECCD allocations? Education, Social Development, or Health? Herein lies one of the administrative issues of which the setting up of a Roving Caregivers Programme is cognizant. Hence the value of including all the above sectors as collaborating agencies, but placing an NGO as Lead Agency in terms of administering the programme. Additionally, the developers of the RCP must be also cognizant of the deleterious impact of fragmentation, and endeavour to work diligently at achieving its objective of integration of services and policies for the development of the young child. Private Resources for ECCD Exact figures spent by the private sector on ECCD can hardly be determined. It may be that the government needs to provide increased subventions and incentives, as well as to themselves become more fiscally involved in the development of the ECCD sector. In the meantime childcare and pre-school user fees range from approximately $20.00 to $200. per month. In Sandy Bay for example, the fees at the two Church-based pre- schools are $25. and $30. per month respectively. Besides the issue of available space, it is also reasonable to understand that some parents just cannot afford even the lowest of these fees for childcare. 5.1.4 Children with Special Needs Four schools or centers serve Children with special needs – ranging from learning disabilities to the severely disabled. Table 18 Centres for Children With Special Needs 19 St. Vincent and the Grenadines 2003 Budget Address, delivered by Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, dr. The Hon. Ralph E. Gonsalves, p 11 39 SVG Needs Assessment Report 6-29-04 Schools/Centres Caters for & Types of Disabilities Age Enrolment Range Helping Hands Centre Children with severe disabilities. 16 Mostly cerebral palsy and physically (Monthly Fee: $100.) challenged School for Children A variety of special needs – a 5 - 21 80 with Special Needs, specialized programme for the deaf; years Kingstown many children with learning disabilities. (No Fees. Govt School) School for Children Hearing Impaired; Learning and 6+ - 21 17 with Special Needs, physically disabilities years (No Fees. Govt Georgetown School) Range of disabilities – Mental, Physical, 25 Sunshine School, Learning, Non-performers. 6- 21 (Limited Govt. Bequia support. Principal’s salary only.) The School at Georgetown is in reasonable reach for children with Special Needs – from Byera and Sandy Bay, although at present there is only one 19-year-old female from Sandy Bay enrolled. On the other hand, children from Barrouallie and the Leeward areas have to come to Kingstown – a distance of about 12 miles and a 30-40 minute drive. Accessing the mini-van public means of transport is invariably impossible. The Bequia Sunshine School, for CWSN, established in 2000 performs a very useful role in the Grenadine Island of Bequia. They had a successful home –visiting programme, similar to the RCP, which ended when the teacher was sent to Jamaica for further training. Areas of concern were Parental interest. Often the parent would “have to leave” when the teacher/therapist arrived; or would say that it wasn’t a convenient time. In addition to all the issues that able-bodied impoverished rural children face, the NSPD and the principal for the School raised particular issues relating to Children with Special Needs (CWSN): 1. Lack of ECE for CWSN. Hearing-impaired children enter the School for CWSN at five years of age without any early childhood stimulation.. This factor immediately excludes them from readiness for Secondary School entrance examination (11years +)- even if other facilities for them existed. 2. CWSN development is slow, even a 7 year old may not be toilet trained. The School for CWSN accepts only toilet-trained children and those who can help themselves somewhat. Thus without home training and stimulation, CWSN often enter the school system quite late, putting them at a great disadvantage. 3. Children with disabilities require home stimulation and care, which many parents do not know how to give. 4. Families of CWSN need to be monitored as to their treatment in the home. 5. Some learning disabilities may be prevented by better, early parenting skills. 40 SVG Needs Assessment Report 6-29-04 5.2 Second Sub-Problem – Parenting Skills 5.2.1 Current Status Parenting interventions are clearly urgently needed if poverty and the consequential social ills are to be eradicated, reducing the risks to which our most vulnerable children continue to be exposed. As stated in the Introduction, the Caribbean Support Initiative (CSI) recognizes the urgent need for parenting initiatives in Early Childhood Development. Its proposed Roving Caregivers Programme is one initiative that could effectively address and achieve the CSI objectives, and those established for the RCP programme viz: “Quality parenting support easily accessible to ‘at risk’ families”. The Poverty Assessment Report for St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Kairi (1996) conducted a Community Level Situational Analysis on 13 Communities identified as poor.20 Two of the communities targeted for the RCP are included. These are the two Barrouallie communities of Keartons Village and Bottle and Glass; and New Sandy Bay. Following are some education attainment indicators: Table 19 Education Attainment Indicators of RCP Targeted Communities No Attained Attained Post secondary Education Primary Secondary Keartons 9% (F) 78% 8% 4% Bottle and Glass 4% (F) 28% 60% 4% 4% other forms of education (M) New Sandy Bay 88% 8% 4 % Source: Kairi, SVG Poverty Assessment Report(1996) These 1996 figures have undoubtedly changed positively in the 2000s. Nevertheless, catching up from figures expressed in Table 19 will take several decades. Thus, the issue of young and inexperienced parents without skills and employment, surfaced repeatedly in the Needs Assessment interviews. Table 20 confirms this factor, and becomes an issue of further concern when juxtaposed with the level of educational attainment. A fair assumption is that levels of education have since increased. Nevertheless there can be little doubt that few – if any - of the 417 mothers who were between 10 –19 years old in 2001, would have gone beyond primary education. This particularly in the rural areas targeted by the RCP. 20 Ibid, Vol 2 of 2, pg. 143 41 SVG Needs Assessment Report 6-29-04 Table 20 Number of Births by Age Group of Mothers AGE GROUP 1998 1999 2000 2001 10-14 17 12 10 15 15-19 438 450 454 402 20-24 614 639 638 573 25-29 466 472 486 501 30-34 334 345 311 354 Source: Digest of Health Statistics 1998-2002 Table 21 Highest Level of Education Attained by Persons 15 Years and Over in the Lowest Quintiles (1996). Highest Level Consumption Quintiles Geographic attended (%) (%) All SVG 1 2 Urban Rural Primary 81.7 73.7 64.7 74.2 70.6 Secondary 17.3 23.5 26.5 22.5 24.1 Post Secondary 1.0 1.4 5.1 2.1 3.3 Source: Kairi Poverty Assessment Report (1996) 5.2.2 Public Assistance The Family Services Division reported that nationally, 6,385 persons were recipients of Public Assistance totaling $667,855 per month. The distribution includes the following categories: - Poor Relief - Children in Foster Care - Physically challenged - Poor and Indigent Table 22 Public Assistance in RCP Targeted Communities Community Numbers of Recipients Monthly Disbursement Barrouallie 353 $36,320 Sandy Bay 237 $24,980 Byera (included in both 392 (Georgetown) $40,205. Georgetown and Colonarie) 371 (Colonarie) $38,420. Source: Records from Family Affairs Unit (2004) Supported by statistics of low educational levels, un-employment among young mothers is relatively high. The police in Barrouallie reported that issues of gambling, alcohol and drugs often abound – even among the young mothers. Service providers in Barrouallie also commented on the fact that the population is too large to service properly. 42 SVG Needs Assessment Report 6-29-04 5.2.3 Parents of Children with Special Needs (CWSN) The 2001 Preliminary Census report shows that there are 4657 persons in the population who have some type of disability. Preliminary 2001 Census data indicate that the majority of disabilities began between 0-4, most at birth. Given this pattern of early disabilities, attention needs to be given to the parenting of children with disabilities. Service providers and parents shared some particular problems: 1. Transportation costs and distance: Transport cost for a mother to bring a child to Kingstown, return to Barrouallie, and later return for the child is EC $240. per month. They awake at 4:00 a.m. in order to get ready and make the long trip. 2. Parental home support: One parent ties her disabled child to a bed when she has to go out for a short while – for fear of him getting out and hurting himself. 3. Training in parenting and care for their CWSNs. Many do not know how to cope. The younger mothers seem so overwhelmed they often neglect or abandon their children. They often do not even attend PTA meetings, and expect that the teachers know best how to manage their children. Conversely, there are examples of caring parents of CWSN, resulting in happy, productive children – and parents. One deaf child from the School for CWSN has gone on to attend College in the United States of America. 5.3 Third Sub-Problem - Health Issues 5.3.1 Health Services The Health Centres/Clinics in St. Vincent and the Grenadines are commendably attending to the care of its citizens. Generally, each of the 39 Health Centres covers a population of 2,900 and no one is required to travel more than three (3) miles to access care. The primary care services available include emergency care, medical care, prenatal and postnatal care, midwifery services, child health services including immunization, family planning services, and communicable and non-communicable diseases control.21 Interviews with Health Centre nurses in the three-targeted areas sought information on the Indicators outlined in Sec 4.2 (3). Generally the Health Clinics reported reasonable attention to health care by parents from pre-natal to pre-school. Immunization rates are almost 100% in one year olds. Very few infant deaths occur generally. In the 1-2 cases recorded in each of the target communities the cause is invariably by fire. Responses to the question of most common illnesses treated at the Clinics were as follows: Table 23 Frequently Treated Illnesses Frequently treated Illnesses Possible cause/contributers due to parental/home care Respiratory Infection Smoking; over-crowding; poor ventilation; Anemia Hygienic care (Bathing; washing hands; ); child playing 21 Digest of Health Statistics 1998-2002, p.3 43 SVG Needs Assessment Report 6-29-04 Skin Infections in unsanitary (dirty) areas; - Ring worms running around with bare feet Worm infestation Poor toilet facilities Gastroenteritis Diet Common Colds Parental neglect Obeseity Poor food handling and preparation Source: Health Clinics in Barrouallie, Byera, Sandy Bay A visit to the Pediatric Ward at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital in Kingstown revealed that the most frequent and serious causes for admission are: Serious cases of Gastroenteritis Ingestion of hazardous substances – paint, kerosene, medication etc. Children pushing foreign objects in noses and ears. These include household objects like beads, peas, buttons etc. Parents also do not pay attention to appropriate types of toys for suitable ages resulting in infants pulling apart pieces of metal, plastic and inserting in mouth, noses, ears to their harm. Burns Table 24 Nutritional Classification in Children under 5 Years Old (National) Year Normal Nutrition Moderate Severe Obesity % % Malnutrition % Malnutrician % 1998 85.6 7.3 0.3 6.8 1999 85.5 5.7 0.2 8.7 2000 88.7 3.0 0.1 8.1 2001 88.5 3.1 0.2 8.6 2002 87.9 3.6 0.1 8.3 Source: Digest of Health Statistics 1998-2002, p.30 The Health Clinics’ observation is that there are very few instances of severe malnutrition in children from birth to three years. Normal nutritional intake can be improved, but the incidences are probably related to poor nutrition due to poverty conditions. However, a growing area of concern is that of obesity and the lack of understanding of the seriousness of that indicator by parents, and the need for caution in the children’s high- caloric diet. “Obesity in poverty” is now a commonly referred to condition. Queries of child abuse and incest, reportedly prevalent in SVG, did not find any significant incidents or reports of such locally. However, in interviewing a probation officer at the Family Services Division of the Ministry of Social Development a different picture developed. This Division serves the poor and indigent – presumably the “unreached” with whom the RCP is particularly concerned. The following records of reported cases were shared with the Consultant. Neglect and abandonment seem to be chosen ways of parents dealing with unmanageable situations. A recent tendency is for parents to leave children at the Family Services Unit, with a friend or neighbour and just not return for them. At Carnival time it is quite common for a parent to take a child to the hospital, leave without the child and return once the festivities are over in a few days! 44 SVG Needs Assessment Report 6-29-04 Table 25 Reported Forms of Abuse to the Ministry of Social Development, Gender and Family Services Forms of 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 Abuse Sexual 29 70 41 60 55 37 23 22 20 23 51 Physical 63 117 77 55 65 44 51 46 36 26 55 Neglect 51 247 73 55 51 75 121 107 78 51 112 Abandonment 40 78 28 33 56 53 38 51 30 29 22 Maintenance 573 632 690 705 529 462 414 339 237 261 258 Others 23 8 36 0 4 30 11 8 10 4 25 Total 779 1152 945 908 760 701 658 573 411 394 523 Source: Family Service Division, Ministry of Social Development 5.4 Fourth Sub-Problem – Poverty and Economics There appears to be something of an insidious nature to poverty in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Some say there is just a little poverty in SVG. Some even say it’s primarily among those who do not wish to do any better. Picture a child or teen 15 – 20 not completed primary school; a new birth which teen’s mother tells her that is her problem, don’t bring it to her; baby’s father disappears; teen cannot work –even if she had the capacity, as there is no one to look after the new born; parents help to put up a little lean- to in their yard where they are already squatting; they give her and baby a bit of food; she gets $100. per month on public assistance. Does this not look like poverty? So she finds another man who tells her he will help her if she “gives” him a child, so she does … and the cycle worsens. Following are the poverty estimates found by the Kairi Poverty assessment Study (1996) Box 4: Poverty Estimates for St. Vincent and the Grenadines 22 ITEM PERCENTAGE Poor Households 30.6 Poor Population 37.5 Indigent Households 20.4 Indigent Population 25.7 Youth Population 26.9 Elderly Population 21.3 Male Population 35.2 Female Population 39.5 Male Heads of Households 27.9 Female Heads of Households 34.1 Urban Households 26.1 Rural Households 33.6 Urban Population 35.4 Rural Population 38.7 22 Kairi, Poverty Assessment Report St. Vincent and the Grenadines, 1996, p.91 45 SVG Needs Assessment Report 6-29-04 Other Data Reported Population under 15 years 37.8 Migration among members of households 43.8 Access to School Meals (lowest quintile) 40.0 Access to School Meals (Highest quintile) 34.3 Access to School Books (lowest quintile) 0 Source: Kairi, Poverty Assessment Report ,1996 Table 26 POVERTY INDICES BY GEOGRAPHIC REGION (1996)23 Region % of Population Head Count Poverty Gap FGTP2 All SVG 100.0 37.5 12.6 6.9 Total Urban 36.6 35.4 9.0 4.4 Total Rural 63.4 38.7 14.9 8.6 Source: Kairi, Poverty Assessment Report ,1996 There is every indication that the situation may have since improved in certain areas, such as increased access to health services and secondary education; improved water supply and sanitation services. However, the downturn in economic conditions resulting from globalization and trade liberalization; and teen pregnancies and births, little change may be found in the poverty statistics. Of further interest to the RCP is the following Kairi Table that speaks to the sense of hopelessness among two of the targeted communities: Table 27 Estimates of Percentages of Poor and Self-Perceived Poor in RCP Targeted Communities Selected Communities Socio-Economic Status Objective Estimate Self-Perceived of Poor Poor New Sandy Bay 62.5 70.8 Keartons (Barrouallie) 34.8 65.2 Bottle and Glass (Barrouallie 68.0 80.0 Source: Kairi Poverty Assessment Report(1996) These figures speak to the place of attitudes of self-esteem and hopelessness - documented characteristics of the poor. Developing attitudes of positivism, empowerment and self worth are core principles of the RCP. Developing positive traits and attitudes at the earliest possible age through the Rovers, will have far reaching results for individual, family and community development 5.5 Fifth Sub-Problem – Policies and Programmes Several international, regional and national policies exist that affect Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) and parents of children from birth to three years of age. 23 Ibid 46 SVG Needs Assessment Report 6-29-04 SVG is a signatory to the Rights of the Child international agreement; the Caribbean Cooperation in Health in collaboration with the CARICOM countries have developed (May 1999) a Strategy and Plan that address new and re-emerging health issues; the SVG Interim Poverty Reduction Strategy enunciates the government’s focus on poverty through on-going policies and programmes at individual ministry levels – to mention a few. However, Implementation cannot be guaranteed; very little is directed specifically to the RCP targeted age group (birth to 3 years) and their parents; most programmes tend to be accessible to children 5 years and up. The Poverty Reduction Taskforce, through the Ministry of Social Development sponsors a summer programme called “Children Against Poverty” (CAP). The junior section of 5 – 10 year olds, was totally over-subscribed - particularly in 2003. The Programme is organized for 50 children in that age group. Sandy Bay had 75 children many four years old and under. Barrouallie allowed about 60 children in the Juniors - again the excess being under four years, who came with their siblings. CAP runs in Sandy Bay, Greggs, Calliaqua, Sion Hill, Lodge Village, Barrouallie and Chateaubelair areas of high poverty pockets. A summer parenting programme is intended to run concurrently. It has worked to varying degrees. The RCP will find it helpful to review the evaluation of this component of the programme, when it becomes available. Chapter 6.0: Community Consultations The process of the Community Consultations was of equal value to the content. A Focus Group and a Community Meeting were planned for each of the three Communities. The planned methodology was to hold Focus Groups in each of the communities prior to Community meetings. The makeup was to be a maximum of twenty (20) community service providers and parents. Although not materializing exactly as planned, they were nevertheless fruitful. The key lessons learned were the vulnerabilities of rural communities and the need for flexibility in implementing the RCP. The Community Meetings were open to all and publicized on Radio. The format followed: Prayer; welcome; icebreaker introductions; explanation of the Needs Assessment; brief description of the RCP by the coordinator; showing the RCP Video; Questions and Answers. Lessons learned during the Sessions included: Make childcare arrangements during parent sessions. The young children can be disruptive. Make an effort to include snacks. Some have long distances to walk with their children. 6.1 BARROUALLIE The Barrouallie Focus Group was scheduled for May 7, 2004 at the Barrouallie Government School - four days before the Community Meeting and immediately after school to capture teachers and parents. Unfortunately, due to some water supply 47 SVG Needs Assessment Report 6-29-04 problem, there was an early school closing that day. Everybody went home, nobody returned. This is a clear indicator of the vulnerability of the community to simple conditions outside its control. Friday was also a bad day for scheduling such a meeting. Nevertheless an informative, informal session was held with the Social Development Community Officer (following which she joined forces in mobilizing the community and will be invaluable in the implementation of the RCP); a male teacher from another school who wore many hats in community, church, and a CCF Board member; a youth from the Youth for Christ organization; the RCP Coordinator and the Consultant. Some of the issues raised to the Questions asked – see Appendix for Format - included: What has become of the 43 displaced pre-schoolers who attended the now closed Glebe Pre-School? The most difficult elements of implementing the RCP would probably be mobilizing the parents, and winning their trust and confidence for participation. It is important to sell the big picture of family development, infant school readiness, and to associate the RCP with existing community programmes, such as the CCF; and to involve the parents in all aspects of the programme planning. Much discussion ensued on the Rovers – parents’ willingness to open their homes; selection criteria; stipend; inappropriate relationships between rovers and parents. Barrouallie Community Meeting Given the poor focus group attendance, it was decided to do a House- to –House mobilization to ensure attendance at the larger meeting, and to gain a firsthand view of living conditions. Both objectives were realized. It is difficult to imagine the levels of poverty, unoccupied and unemployed young people, behind the nice-looking houses unless one walks – hazardous climbs at times – through the community. There was an enthusiastic turn out of 30 + mothers and16 children to the Community Meeting. Box 5: Barrouallie Community Meeting Attendance 30 mothers; 16 children (mostly babies); Nurse; Community Worker; Driver; Rep Management Committee; Coordinator; Consultant Issues: Children troublesome to raise – “harden” & “run about”. Parents may not be co-operative. One suggestion was that several families could be involved in the sessions with the Rovers. The proximity of poorer homes with single yard space, will easily accommodate this approach. Benefits of the RCP: Would be good for Barrouallie; Good for the children, will prepare them for Pre-School. Will manage and control the children’s behaviour. They are anxious to see the Programme established. The main concern expressed was that although people were excited now, would they be committed to continuing or would they drop out? 48 SVG Needs Assessment Report 6-29-04 Rovers: Generally no real concerns about a”stranger” coming into their homes – as long as they meet the Criteria established. There was much debate as to whether they should be from Barrouallie or outside. Seemed that the majority favoured inside. Special thanks to Ms. Amor Jackson, Community Worker of the Ministry of Social Development for her assistance in mobilizing the Community around the RCP. 6.2 BYERA Focus Group The Byera Focus Group was held at the Health Clinic at 2:30 p.m. May 19, 2004. We had hoped for 10 persons, we ended up with 20 + mothers and several babies. Although crowded, the discussion was lively and much interest shown in the RCP. One outcome was that they agreed to establish a Community Committee to oversee the process and the programme. Eight women volunteered. They are very anxious to see the RCP started. The Community Meeting followed at 3:45 p.m at the Government School where the Video was shown. Most persons attended both meetings, although rain prohibited some from getting to the second venue - especially those with the very young babies. Box 6 Byera Community Meeting Attendance 30 women and several children. Community Health Nurse; Vinsave Director, RCP Coordinator, Consultant Issues: Some people will not stay in the programme, if it is just for Byera Hill. Byera people are not cooperative. Most of the persons present are from Chester. Needed some clarity as exactly what parts of Byera are to be included. Some concerns were expressed about having Rovers come into people’s homes. The question was resolved upon explanation of the Rovers’ role. Benefits of the RCP: Parents are tired, and have housework. Children love attention. Mothers have financial strains. Teenage mothers are unemployed; Rover help will be good. Parents support groups are a good idea. Income generation would be good. . Rovers: Discussion on Rovers selected from the community or outside, was also heated. The final resolution seemed to be inside Rovers because Byera people needed to learn to cooperate with one another. Special thanks to Vinsave and the Health Centre Nurses for organizing the Community Meetings in Byera.. 49 SVG Needs Assessment Report 6-29-04 6.3. SANDY BAY Focus Group The Sandy Bay Focus Group was to be held at 2:30 p.m. followed by the Community Meeting at 4:00 p.m. at the same location. May 20, 2004 turned out to be a very rainy day. The RCP team of three traveled by Taxi - a large tour van, with a very competent driver, since neither of our cars could travel across the Rabacca Dry River - even on a dry day. The river was running but easily passable through the water. Our return trip however, was treacherous and scary - as the river water had then risen, but successful! Leaving Sandy Bay: Truck crossing the Dry River – after the RCP Team Because of the rain, and our need to return before the river flow became too high, a single community meeting was held. The location of the old government school (relocated in 2003) was quite dilapidated and wet, but a dry spot was found on the stage and an interesting meeting ensued. Of the three meetings Sandy Bay was the only one where a few men and boys – including a grandfather attended. From the name introduction icebreaker that was thoroughly enjoyed by all, right through to the ‘Do the Hokey-Pokey’ at the end, participation and interest were enthusiastic. Box 7 Sandy Bay Community Meeting Attendance 26 Signed Attendance Sheet 40 counted, plus many children of varying ages 43 Nursing Staff; 1 YES youth 3 RCP Personnel Issues: The non-involvement of fathers; Mothers do not bother about collecting child maintenance: “love too strong”, and they would have to go into Kingstown as there is no Family Service Office elsewhere. They are quite satisfied looking after their children themselves, despite the hardship of providing proper diets. There are no active organizations in the area. National Garifuna cultural activities seem to happen only on National Heroes holiday time. A skills training/ craft center takes place in the same old derelict school building, hardly inspiring and un- conducive to sales, so all but three dropped out. The women 50 SVG Needs Assessment Report 6-29-04 are very anxious to have something productive and income generating to do. They would like the RCP to start immediately. Benefits of the RCP: The RCP would be a positive thing for the Sandy Bay community where there are lots of children. The large number of unemployed parents would also welcome the Parent Group. It would build communication skills for parents to manage their children better. Rovers: There was great interest in the Rovers component. They were generally comfortable with persons coming to their homes, but the confidentiality was really important. The inside –outside discussion was lively. Some remarks were made suggesting a wariness for non-caribs to look after their children. The compromised position was eventually they should be mixed from both inside and outside of their community. Several women present would like to be Rovers. The group suggested that a Rover Application should be sent out for completion, to ensure proper processing and selection. The Nurses at the Health Centre were extremely helpful in providing names of Children and Parents and in mobilizing for the Community Meetings. They have offered to assist in follow-up, such as distributing and collecting Rover Applications. Thanks also to Ms Pat Fraser, the local UN volunteer, who also assisted in mobilizing the community. Chapter 7.0 ROVERS Throughout the process of the Needs Assessment, much interest was expressed about the Rovers. Service providers immediately liked the concept; parents were more circumspect, until the concept was explained in its entirety. Generally few had any concerns about “strangers” being in their homes. This was good for the RCP model. Yet one wonders if there is linkage to the practice of abandoning children for long or short periods of time, or to the frequent “visiting relationships” of which the nurses spoke. It may also simply speak to the apparent close neighbourly relationships that the study observed in yard spaces. One woman canvassed was looking after a child whose name she did not know – far less his Birthdate. She just called him “Pooh”! Either way, there are lessons to be learned and taught and cautions for the Rovers not to take on more responsibility than is necessary! As the Rover concept was thrashed out, the major issue was whether the person would be from within or without the Community. The recommendation is a mixture from neighbouring communities, and a careful pairing of Rovers and Parents at the outset. RCP components of Rover personal development and employment were received with enthusiasm. Many parents at the meetings wanted to be Rovers. Again, care must be taken, especially at the Pilot stage of the RCP. Maturity is essential. Literacy is critical. Parents must have proper childcare arrangements. Training and monitoring are vital. 51 SVG Needs Assessment Report 6-29-04 Rover availability can be found in the community; among secondary school graduants; and from the Government’s Youth Empowerment (YES) programme – to name a few. The recommended initial ratio is one rover to ten families. Recognition that more than one family lives in a household must be taken into consideration. As far as is possible group sessions are recommended. It will enhance the child’s experience, and it will facilitate scheduling of the Rovers’ visits. Following are ideas generated in the Community Meetings for Rover Criteria: CRITERIA FOR THE SELECTION OF ROVERS AS EXPRESSED IN THE FOCUS AND COMMUNITY MEETINGS BARROUALLIE BYERA SANDY BAY Friendly Respect Caring Honest Love Children Patient Must Love children Cooperate with mothers Confidential Not rude Confidentiality Respectable Must love to entertain Read and write – at least Honesty Must be Role Models 20 years and over Proper Communication Good example 25 -27 Must be educated CONFIDENTIALITY Able to cope with Good personality Courteous children Good personal hygiene Respectable Helpful Dressed Properly Mature Able to communicate Maturity 20 years + Age: 24 –35 Secondary Education, but Need an Application less if has the other process for selection to be qualities fair Be able to read & write Chapter 8.0 JUSTIFICATION, SUMMARY OF FINDINGS and RECOMMENDATIONS 8.1 JUSTIFICATION The foregoing study assesses current situations of young children and parents. It envisions how parenting support, techniques and practices might change parenting positively, reducing the risk to children. As such it provides strong and urgent justification for intervention in the parenting and care of children from birth to three years of age. The Roving Caregivers Programs will be an appropriate mechanism for meeting the needs and addressing the issues involved in providing quality stimulus and parental care to children not yet ready for pre-school: 1. It provides a solution to the troubling concern of a lack of day care in the targeted areas; as well as to the issue of preparation/readiness for Pre-school. 2. The Rovers component will be a welcome contributor to the training and development of the young and other persons in the community, many of who are unemployed. Since the expectation is that some young parents will become 52 SVG Needs Assessment Report 6-29-04 Rovers, by extension and indirectly, the experience would therefore provide parenting skills to these parents as well. 3. The parenting support programme that peaked interest in the communities besides developing positive parenting skills, could become a source of motivation, support, training and income for the many young, unemployed and dis- empowered parents in the communities. In order to meet the expected goals of the RC P, the Programme must be established, organized and managed with care and efficiency. The communities will require the establishment of trust; and much mobilization. The persons involved must be carefully selected for commitment and motivation, while at the same time recognizing that the persons who would benefit most are those hardest to reach and may not immediately wish to participate. Families need to be carefully matched with the Roving Caregivers. 8.2 FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 1. Poverty is almost hidden, but when found, it cries out for some attention and relief. The Roving Caregivers Programme if properly operated, can be a vehicle for making a positive difference in the lives of some needy families, through child stimulation, parental support and empowerment. 2. There is every indication of the urgent need of parent programmes in the rural areas where conditions of poverty, high birth rates by young mothers, over- crowded homes, low educational attainment; unemployment, under-employment, powerlessness and idleness exist. The Recommendation is that increased emphasis be placed on the parenting component of the RCP. 3. According to figures of new Births from Sept 2000 to present, received from the Health Centres, there are over 670 children in the birth to 3 age category, and children with special needs, in the targeted areas of Barrouallie, Byera and Sandy Bay, who are eligible for the Roving Caregivers Programme immediately. Lists of names gathered from various sources and interactions confirm this estimated total. See Appendix. 4. The absence of Daycare facilities for children under four years of age, makes it a societal imperative to provide some urgent service for those children and their parents, who lack the basic parental skills of child stimulation and communication. The Recommendation is the urgent need to begin the RCP in SVG. 5. One issue raised repeatedly was that of the gap between the end of the child’s participation in the RCP at three years of age and the present official pre-school enrollment age of four years. The Recommendation is that the RCP management continues to dialogue with the Ministry of Education and the ECCD Unit on the issue. 6. Health and social issues of common illnesses due to lack of due diligence, hygienic and nutritional care; child neglect; abuse and abandonment exist in an environment 53 SVG Needs Assessment Report 6-29-04 that pays insufficient attention and credence to situations that are very harmful to children. The RCP programme will no doubt be able to address these by providing support and training from expertise in related areas to the parents, and through attention to the children in their homes. 7. All communities visited are very anxious to have the RCP in their community as soon as is possible. It is recommended that interim community activities continue while the momentum is high. The Area Coordinating Committee structure should be formalized, giving parent members the task of organizing activities, and assisting in the RCP formulation process. 8. Two Project Officers will be sufficient. One will be responsible for Barrouallie (Leeward) and the other for Byera and Sandy Bay (Windward). The Recommended ideal situation is that the Project Officer for the Windward area should reside in Sandy Bay, and have responsibility for both Byera and Sandy Bay.. The Rabacca River separation of Sandy Bay presents particular problems for that community. It also presents challenges for the RCP in servicing the area At the same time in increases the benefit and need of the RCP. 9. The Management Committee recommends that the RCP targeted areas should be limited to some selected villages, and not the total community, in order to ensure that the pilot is managed efficiently, effectively and successfully. The suggested areas are as follows: Barrouallie: Keartons and Bottle and Glass 100 children Byera: Chester Cottage 55 Sandy Bay: Old Sandy Bay 75 Total 230 Flexibility is paramount as the selection of families takes place. Needy families in close proximity of the selected areas may be included in the Programe. 10. The RCP can be particularly beneficial for Children with Special Needs. Better and earlier identification of CWSN can enable the children to be monitored and cared for, reducing some of the stigmas and shame often attached and improving parent ability to love and care for their children. Early stimulation also increases their chances of progressing in school, and learning in general. 11. Some challenging physical features that residents take for granted, will need to be taken into consideration by the RCP in planning with and budgeting for the Rovers. These include the mountainous, rugged terrain that may create some challenges of finding and reaching those unreached families; and of course commuting between Byera and Sandy Bay for training, meetings, monitoring etc. 12. The absence of fathers throughout the process was marked. Perhaps because most of our work was done during normal working hours the fathers were at work. 54 SVG Needs Assessment Report 6-29-04 Most of the mothers indicated that they were single. In Barrouallie there was some indication that the fathers though unmarried to the mothers, helped financially; some lived together. Sandy Bay mothers stated clearly that the fathers were just absent and not good about maintaining their children. As pondered by Dr. Jules in his CSI report (2002) it is important for the RCP to “search for new modalities of engagement of fathers.” A Recommendation is to explore flexible time RCP home-visits to accommodate working fathers. Ben is not an absent Dad to Desiree 13. As the RCP proceeds, data will be continuously sought in relation to the Poverty Indicators. It is essential to establish an effective Monitoring and Evaluation system, with appropriate baselines at the start of the Programme. 14. It appears that NESDC intends to initiate a new Poverty Assessment Survey. This should be encouraged and supported by the RCP as far as is possible. 8.2.1 OtherGeneralFindings / Considerations Economic Context Farming, the traditional industry and economic mainstay of the country has taken a down turn, due to international restrictions; resource constraints; lack of export markets; and a negative attitude towards working the lands by the younger generation. This contributes to the state of poverty and to a sense of apathy and powerlessness that says things are outside of one’s control. Poverty contributes to poor parenting skills. Tourism appears to be the one growth area - which generally has little effect on the rural areas. The parent Support groups of the RCP may be one way of capitalizing on the growing Tourism industry, through income generating activities. Remittances from relatives living abroad are an invaluable source of income and sustenance to many families; the downside of which is a pervading sense of dependency. Government Allocations and Support The government supports early childhood development, with a Grant of $300,000 to the ECCD Unit, Ministry of Education. The Ministry of Health and the 55 SVG Needs Assessment Report 6-29-04 Environment has primary care for children from Birth. The Ministry of Social Development, Cooperatives, Family and Gender Affairs serves families including children from birth. Given the vulnerability of the birth to 3 year group, the over lap of service responsibility may result in that group falling between the cracks in terms of focused service provision. There is no clear rationale as to which sector-budget should reflect special allocations for this age group. Should it be Education, Social Development, or Health? The recommendation is that a collaborative mechanism for sustained public contributions to the RCP as a program for birth to three year-old children needs to be established. Within the context of an NGO as Lead Agency with responsibility for the administration of the programme, the Management Committee needs to deploy a strategy for bringing the authorities of the three key Ministries together to develop a mechanism for supporting the Programme. The management of the RCP must be cognizant of the deleterious impact of fragmentation, and work diligently at achieving RCP objectives of integration of services and policies for the holistic development of the young child. Sustainability 1) Programme Despite the enthusiasm and anxiety to get started that was expressed so strongly and well, the element of commitment, co-operation and sticking with it, arose frequently as community history. Initially the RCP would require high maintenance – stretching human and financial resources. The Coordinator and Program Officers will need to work diligently to develop the trust and to continue to support and encourage the parents for a successful Pilot outcome.. 2) Financial In addition to funding from the BvLF, other national, regional and international agencies must be sourced. UNICEF commitments to SVG may be extended to include the RCP. Nationally, the National Economic and Social Development Council must be approached as financial and technical assistance may be obtained through its Poverty Reduction Task Force and its Social Investment Fund that is in process of being established. The commitments and interest of the various government sectors will translate into various types of contributions to the success of the Programme. Each Collaborating Agency must assist in on-going sourcing of funds to ensure that the RCP continues well after the pilot phase. Chapter 9.0 CONCLUSION This Needs Assessment study set out to examine the viability of replicating the Roving Caregivers Programme in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Justification was found in that the RCP would be a very practical and workable strategy for poverty reduction in that it immediately offers alternatives for parents through empowering strategies of parenting 56 SVG Needs Assessment Report 6-29-04 education, income generating skills and activities, parental support and cooperation. Further, effective parenting skills that denounce neglect, beating, abuse, swearing, inappropriate pastimes like gambling yards, provides the enabling environment for their child or children to move towards achieving their full potential through early stimulation, protective care, positive socialization and happy dispositions. All stakeholders with whom the Consultant interacted were enthused about the Programme, and urged the RCP coordinators to begin as soon as possible. Parents were particularly interested and are very anxious to begin the process. The Roving Caregiver Programme developers need to capitalize on the high interest generated during the study, and maintain a presence in the Communities. The RCP Management Committee made the following suggestions for continued community interaction in the interim while the sourcing of funds through the BvLF is in progress: Utilize the Byera model and set up Coordinating Community Committees in Barrouallie and Sandy Bay. Involve these Committees as key players in all related activities. Begin the process of Rover Selection by distributing and collecting applications. The Committees can work with NGO Collaborating Agencies to operate small classes of making items that would eventually be part of the Rovers’ Kit. Parenting Sessions/Workshops may also be held. The critical value and essential benefits of the RCP have been established locally. The anticipated hope is that it will be implemented without too great a delay. 57 SVG Needs Assessment Report 6-29-04 BIBLIOGRAPHY / REFERENCES 1. Digest of Health Statistics 1998 – 2002; prepared by the Health Planning and Information Unit, Ministry of Health and the Environment, December 2003 2. Kairi Consultants, Poverty Assessment Report - St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Vols 1 & 2, (1996) 3. Lundy, Christine, Summary Report, UNICEF 2nd Caribbean Conference on Early Childhood Education, Dover Convention Centre, Barbados, 1-5 April 1997 4. Miller, Errol; Jules, Didacus; Thomas, Leton; Pillars for Partnership and Progress – The OECS Education Reform Strategy: 2010, December 2000 5. OECS Human Development Report 2002 – Building competitiveness in the face of vulnerability, OECS Secretariat, 2002. 6. 2001 Population and Housing Census, Preliminary Report, prepared by Census Office 7. Report - A Regional Framework for Parenting Education, Report and Recommendations, Prepared by Dr. Jules, Didacus, for the Caribbean Support Initiative, 2002. 8. Report – Study to Assess the Needs and Adequacy of Services Provided by Pre=Primary Schools in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, by Janet Brown and Sian Williams, July 16, 2000 9. St. Vincent and the Grenadines 1991 – Population and Housing Census Report, Vol 2, Statistical Office, Ministry of Finance and Planning, Kingstown, July 1993 10. St. Vincent and the Grenadines 2003 Budget Address, delivered by Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Dr. The Hon. Ralph E. Gonsalves, 2003 11. St. Vincent and the Grenadines Interim Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper, Prepared by the Poverty Reduction Taskforce of the National Econoic and Social Development Council, June 2003. 12. Group Reports from a Byera community project conducted by VINSAVE trainees: 1. Cleo Conliffe; Coleen Jackson; Danice Bailey; Maria Young; Yolande Matthais; Silverne Reid; Emris John; Byera Youth Vinsave Community Report, 2002 2. Florence Mammley; Rosanna Spring; Bevely Morris; Keritha Providence, Community Study of Byera, 2002. Roving CareGivers Programme Reports: 1. The Roving Caregivers Programme – Jamaica Home-Visiting Early Childhood Development Model, Summary Report Period January 2001 to June 2002, prepared by Joyce E. Jarett, Rural Family Support Organization, 2002 2. Needs Assessment for the Replication of the Roving Caregivers Programme in The Commonwealth of Dominica, prepared by Melana Fontaine in collaboration with the 58 SVG Needs Assessment Report 6-29-04 Christian Children Fund Dominica ,for Caribbean Support Initiative, Bridgetown, Barbados, September 2003 3. Proposal for the Replication of the Roving Caregivers Programme in The Commonwealth of Dominica, prepared by Melana Fontaine in collaboration with the Christian Children Fund Dominica ,for Caribbean Support Initiative, Bridgetown, Barbados, September 2003 4. Parenting Support and Early Childhood Intervention – A Replication Plan for St. Lucia, submitted by Martina Augustin, to the Caribbean Support Initiative, Bridgetown, Barbados, April 2004 WEB SITES 1. http://www.odci.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/vc.html 2. http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/islands_oceans_poles/st_vincent_rel96.jpg 3. http://www.worldbank.org/data/working/def2.html List of Tables Table 1 Needs Assessment Key Questions Table 2 Needs Assessment Conceptual Framework For The RCP Table 3 SVG Demographic Details Table 4 Selected Economic Indicators 1997-2001 Table 5 Population of Barrouallie Table 6 Currently Economically Inactive Population 15 years and Over (Barrouallie) Table 7 Selected Communities from the Kairi Poverty Assessment (1996) Table 8 Popultion Of Byera And Surrounding Villages Table 9 Preliminary Non-Institutional Enumerated Population by Enumeration Districts 07 - Georgetown Table 10 Preliminary Non-Institutional Enumerated Population by Enumeration Districts 08 – Sandy Bay Table 11 Currently Economically Inactive Population 15 years and over Table 12 School Enrolment 2001/2002 Table 13 Government Special Education Grant Allocations Table 14 New Births from September 2000 – April 2004; Children with disabilities – 12 years and under - in RCP Targeted Areas Table 15 National Population and Pre-Primary Centres in 2000 Table 16. Total Population and Pre-School Centres for Targeted Areas 59 SVG Needs Assessment Report 6-29-04 Table 17 Distribution of Early Childcare Provision Table 18 Centres for Children With Special Needs Table 19 Education Attainment Indicators of RCP Targeted Communities Table 20 Number of Births by Age Group of Mothers Table 21 Highest Level of Education Attained by Persons 15 Years and Over in the Lowest Quintiles. Table 22 Public Assistance in RCP Targeted Communities Table 23 Frequently Treated Illnesses Table 24 Nutritional Classification in Children under 5 Years Old (National) Table 25 Reported Forms of Abuse to the Ministry of Social Development, Gender and Family Services Table 26 Poverty Indices By Geographic Region Table 27 Estimates of Percentages of Poor and Self-Perceived Poor in RCP Targeted Communities List of Boxes: Box 1 Critical Gaps in designing Parenting Education Programmes Box 2 Indicators That Inform Justification For The RCP Box 3 Poverty Indicators (adapted) Box 4: Poverty Estimates for St. Vincent and the Grenadines Box 5: Barrouallie Community Meeting Box 6 Byera Community Meeting Box 7 Sandy Bay Community Meeting List of Pictures 1. Cover Page – Parent, Child and Community Worker 2. Map of St. Vincent and the Grenadines 3. House Visited in Barrouallie 4. Pre-School in Byera 5. Rabacca Dry River 6. Sandy Bay Home 7. Crossing the flooded Dry River 8. Father and Daughter 60 SVG Needs Assessment Report 6-29-04 APPENDICES A. Definitions of Disabilities B. Interview Questions C. Focus Group Questions D. Community Meeting Questions E. Flyer for Community Meeting F. Application Form for Rovers G. Lists of Parents and Children in the Targeted Communities APPENDIX A DEFINITION OF TERMS (TAKEN FROM UNITED NATIONS) (Submitted by the National Society of Persons with Disabilities) IMPAIRMENT: Any loss or abnormality of psychological, anatomical structure or function. DISABILITY: Any restriction or lack (resulting from an impair ment of ability to perform an activity in the manner or within the range considered normal for a human being. HANDICAP: A disadvantage for a given individual, resulting from an impairment or disability, that limits or prevents the fulfillment of a role that is normal, depending on age, sex, social and cultural factors, for that individual. It describes the encounter between a person with a disability and the environment. PREVENTION: measures aimed at preventing the onset of physical, intellectual, psychiatric and sensory impairments (primary prevention) or at preventing impairment, disability (secondary prevention). REHABILITATION: A goal-oriented and time limited process aimed at enabling persons with disabilities to reach and maintain optimum physical. Sensory, intellectual, psychiatric and / or social function level, thus providing them with the tools to change their lives towards a higher level of independence. The process through which the general system of society, such as EQUALISATION OF the physical and cultural environment; housing and OPPORTUNITIES transportation; social and health services; educational and work opportunities; cultural and social life; including sports and recreational facilities; are made accessible to all. 61 SVG Needs Assessment Report 6-29-04 APPENDIX B QUESTIONS FOR INTERVIEWS Name of Agency/ Programme / Sector/ Service: _____________________________________________________________________ Contact & Tel: _________________________________________________________ Interviewed to explain the Roving Caregivers Programme 1. What are the objectives /aims of your Agency/ Programme / Sector/ Service? 2. What experiences have your agency had with children age birth – 3 years and /or their parents? 3. What are some of the major issues or concerns involved in your work with 0-3 yr olds and their parents? Why? 4. What might you recommend as solutions? 5. Name any Agencies/Programmes of which you are aware, that are attempting to address the problems? 6. What related data do you collect? Can you share some of the related data that would help to justify the need for the RCP? 7. The RCP is looking at operating in Barrouallie, Byera and Sandy Bay. Does your operation work in any of those areas? Can you offer any helpful information? 8. How do you think that the RCProgramme will assist in improving the well-being of the child and the family? 9. How might the RCProgramme assist in your work? Are there areas where we may have collaboration with your work? THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST IN THE RCP APPENDIX C FOCUS GROUPS EXPLORATORY RESEARCH DESIGN Barrouallie – Friday, May 7, 2004. Barouallie Government School Byera – Wednesday, May 18, 2004 Byera Health Clinic Sandy Bay – Thursdaay, May 18, 2004 Old Sandy Bay Government School 62 SVG Needs Assessment Report 6-29-04 RESEARCH QUESTION: How effective can a Roving Caregivers Programme be in Barrouallie/Byera/Sandy Bay in meeting the childcare, development and parenting needs of children and parents in impoverished rural situations? PURPOSE: A study of perceptions and commitments of stakeholders – parents and service providers in the age group of birth to three years of age – regarding the proposed Roving Caregivers Programme (RCP). The focused group interaction will elicit views and perceptions on the feasibility, benefits and challenges of the RCP in Barrouallie. PARTICIPANTS: Parents, Teachers, Community Service Providers and Organizations. Maximum 20 persons. PROCESS: Description and Explanation of the RCP & the Needs Assessment; Followed y Questions ad Answers Questions & Answers 1. Any Questions about the RCP? Who do you think this programme should target? – Young mothers under 19years? Single parents? Low-income families? All mothers without day care availability? 2. Tell us about You – (Participants) Name and Organization /Parent/ Teacher etc. What are the objectives /aims of your Agency/ Programme / Sector/ Service? 3. Share some experiences you or your agency had with children from birth – 3 years and /or their parents? 4. What is important to consider in dealing with this age group and their parents? 5. What are some of the major issues or concerns parents have in raising birth -3 yr olds? …and why? 6. Do you think Barrouallie has any issues / concerns / problems in early childcare and development that are unique in SVG? 7. What other Agencies/Programmes work specifically with the birth to 3 yr age group in Barrouallie? Are they successful? 8. What do you think are the benefits of the RCP? Will it assist in improving the well- being of the child and the family? 9. What will be the most difficult thing in implementing the programme? 10. What will motivate parents to become involved – (a) with their child & the rover; and (b) with the Parent Support group? 11. What will provide barriers/challenges to maintaining the programme successfully? 63 SVG Needs Assessment Report 6-29-04 12. What would you suggest as the criteria in selecting roving caregivers (Rovers)? 13. How do you think parents would feel about having “strangers’ coming to their homes? Would you have any cautions for the Rovers? 14. What will you do to help in the successful carrying out of the RCP? APPENDIX D COMMUNITY MEETING Barrouallie – Tuesday, May 18, 2004. Barouallie Government School Byera – Wednesday, May 19, 2004 Byera Health Clinic Sandy Bay – Thursday, May 18, 2004 Old Sandy Bay Government School PROCESS: a) Circulate list to record Names, Roles, and numbers of participants. b) Opening Prayer - Volunteer c) Welcome - Mrs. Hull-Ballah: . d) Who are You – (Participants)? Icebreaker – Name game e) Describe the Process for the Meeting– Consultant f) Describe/ explain the Roving Caregivers Programme: Coordinator g) Show Video QUESTIONS / DISCUSSION 1. What services are offered in Early Childhood care – for children from birth to 3 years old – in Barrouallie/ Byera/ Sandy Bay? If any … are they successful? 2. Would you like to see a Roving Caregivers Programme (RCP) in Barrouallie? 3. Can the Roving Caregivers Programme really work in Barrouallie? Why? 4. What are some of the major issues or concerns you as parents have in raising birth -3 yr olds? …and why? 5. Do you think Barrouallie/ Byera / Sandy Bay has any issues / concerns / problems in early childcare and development that are unique in St. Vincent? 6. What will be the most difficult thing in implementing the programme? 7. What will motivate parents to become involved – (a) with their child & the rover; and (b) with the Parent Support group? 8. What will provide blocks / challenges to maintaining the programme successfully? 9. How would you feel about having “strangers’ coming to your homes as Rovers? 10. What would you suggest as the criteria in selecting roving caregivers (Rovers)? 11. What will you do to help in the successful carrying out of the RCP? 64 SVG Needs Assessment Report 6-29-04 APPENDIX E PARENTS OF BIRTH TO 3 YEAR OLD CHILDREN ARE INVITED TO A COMMUNITY MEETING TO DISCUSS A PROPOSED SUPPORT PROGRAMME - THE ROVING CAREGIVERS PROJECT HEAR ABOUT THE PROGRAMME SAY WHAT YOU THINK OF IT AND HOW IT CAN HELP RURAL FAMILIES WHERE THERE IS NO DAYCARE PLACE: BYESAVE COMMUNITY CENTRE WHEN: WEDNESDAY, MAY 19, 2004 TIME: 3:30 P.M. Come Out And Be Heard Supported by THE EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND DEVELOPMENT UNIT 65 SVG Needs Assessment Report 6-29-04 APPENDIX F ROVING CAREGIVERS PROGRAMME ROVERS APPLICATION FORM Barrouallie - Byera - Sandy Bay PLEASE COMPLETE THIS FORM IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN BECOMING A ROVER IN THE ROVING CAREGIVERS PROGRAMME Completing This Application Does Not Guarantee You A Rover’s Position. The Roving Caregiver is a person within the community who visits the homes to help in the stimulation of children from birth to three years. This person will first be trained and then will conduct home visits on a daily basis to work with the children and parents. The programme will provide a stipend. (further information can be obtained from Mrs. Judith Hull-Ballah at the Early Childhood Development Unit.) PLEASE COMPLETE THIS FORM AND RETURN IT TO THE LOCATION WHERE IT WAS OBTAINED – OR TO YOUR HEALTH CENTRE. NAME ____________________________________ DATE OF BIRTH __________ ADDRESS _____________________________________________________________ TELEPHONE / CONTACT NUMBER (S)____________________________________ MARITAL STATUS: Married ٱ Single ٱ / DO YOU HAVE CHILDREN? Yes ٱ No ٱ IF YES, NUMBER OF CHILDREN _____________ AGE (S) ___________________ LEVEL OF EDUCATION COMPLETED: Primary ٱ Secondary ٱ Tiertiary ٱ OTHER (Please Explain) __________________________________________________ LIST ANY EXPERIENCE YOU HAVE HAD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN ______ HAVE YOU EVER BEEN EMPLOYED? ___________________________________ HOW ARE YOU INVOLVED IN YOUR COMMUNITY? _____________________ LIST TWO REFERENCES FROM YOUR COMMUNITY ____________________ _______________________________________________________________________ 66 SVG Needs Assessment Report 6-29-04 APPENDIX G LISTS OF PARENTS AND CHILDREN IN THE RCP TARGETED AREAS OF BARROUALLIE, BYERA AND SANDY BAY (For reasons of confidentiality, any personal information on parents e.g. age, has been removed and kept in RCP files for use in the Selection of families process BARROUAILLE PARENTS CANVASSED May 13, 2004 PARENTS ADDRESSES 1. Iasha Gordon Mountain Rd 2. Veleata Williams Macka Ground 3. Merissa McKie Mountain Rd 4. Natasha Caesar Keartons 5. Prudence Lovelace Keartons 6. Mayhalia Rodney Keartons 7. Alica Hoyte Glebe Hill 8. Moria Abraham Glebe Hill 9. Vanda Frederick Glebe Hill 10. Louann Dickson Glebe Hill 11. Rosemarie Williams Glebe Hill 12. Juliet Doyle Glebe Hill 13. Dian Roberts Glebe Hill 14. OKeefa Culzac Glebe Hill 15. Vangie Frederick Glebe Hill 16. Rosuta Grant Glebe Hill 17. Nouns O`garro Keartons 18. Alcina Hamblett Glebe Hill 19. Fladina Berkley 20. Keisha Daniel 21. Julian Berkley 22. Roslyn Gaymes 23. Jackie Douglas 24. Samantha Douglas 25. Ingrid john 26. Theresa Richards 27. Utica Roberts 28. Camelita Bentick 29. Veronica John Age Telephone # Child Sex D of Birth Parent D-M-Y 1 Mischa Tuitt (CAP) 1 Philique Gould F 7-10-03 2. Angel Franklyn 2 Zeshaunte Dolton F 27-9-01 3. Vanda Frederick 3 Vanasha Costello F 12-1-04 4. Louann Dixon Father ref 4 Juranus Solomon F 6-12-00 5. Rosemarie William 5 Kayla Hamlett F 18-9-02 6 Gerone Hamlett M 6. Juliet Doyle 7 Guroney Codougan M 3-12-01 7. Bernadine Francis 8 Rodan John M 29-9-03 8. Edris Richardson 9 Kijun Richardson M 20-2-01 9. Petra Benn 10. Gosrick Benn M 25-6-03 67 SVG Needs Assessment Report 6-29-04 10. Annalie Cunningham 11. Rashique (Pooh) Rocque 11. Dother Spence 12. Shadie Benn M 7 months 12. Hazell Isaac 13. Zonica Isaaac F 4-1-00 13. Anthea John 14. Joella John F 15-11-00 14. Curly Hesborn 15. Kyla Bolze F 20-10-00 15. Luenda Cuffy 16. Shana Cuffy F 29-11-01 16. Itaul Simmons Three Acres (3 17. Britney Simmons F 8-11-02 children) 17. Keisha Browne Reversion 18. Shaquile Browne M 1 + 18. Ingrid John 19. Odelia John F 7-12-01 19. Colleen Gillien 20. Alroy Gillien M 24-11-03 Total Canvassed in Barrouallie May 13.04 - 29 + 19 = 48 BARROUAILLE COMMITTEE MEETING MAY 18, 2004 Parent Name Age Tel # Child Name Sex Date of Birth 1. Lurrony Oliver 16/08/2002 1. Patricia Oliver 2. Jacintha Barbour 2. Qusha Samuel 23/04/2003 3. Rosemarie Williams 3. Kayla Hamlett 18/09/2002 4. Juliet Doyle 4. Juroney Codougan 03/12/2001 5. Gillian Roberts 5. Erian Williams 15/04/2002 6. Irine Grant 6. Zinda Grant 12/02/2000 7. Claudia Benn 7. Caldine Benn 20/11/2001 8. Jacintha Barbour 8. Keonous Samuel 16/10/2000 9. Morissa Mckie 9. Morika Mckie 07/11/2003 10. Carissa Mc Kie 04/02/2002 10. Yolande Oliver 11. Carlon olliver 16/11/2001 11. Iasha Gordon 12. Crystel Gordon 02/02/2002 13. Lennoine Gordon 27/02/2004 12. Veleata Williams 14. Kaiyanja Jordon 22/10/2003 13. Natasha Gloster 15. Emran Gloster 12/11/2003 14. Vanda Frederick 16. Vanessa Castello 12/01/2004 15. Allicia Browne 17. Tabitha Francis /11/2001 18. Rosann Francis 19/09/2001 16. Michelle Fraser 19. Aallyah Dublin 10/02/2002 17. Natasha 20. Brenasha Bulze 29/12/2003 18. Mayhalia Rodney 21. Tevon Rodney 27/11/2003 19. Juliette Adams 22. Christroy Gibson 19/03/2001 20. Stephanie Kiel 23. Renwrick Kiel 02/09/2003 21. Maria Abraham 24. Jomo Abraham 07/08/2001 22. Greta Browne 25. Almina Browne 16/09/2001 23. Linda Barbour 26. Otis Barbour 25/12/2000 27. Otisca Barbour 29/12/2004 24. Ruth Olliver 28. Tyqrique Oliver 07/12/2001 25. Eastlyn Benn 29. Alroy Benn 07/12/2001 68 SVG Needs Assessment Report 6-29-04 BARROUALLIE CCF LIST Parent Name Child Name Sex Date of Birth 1. Meniva Ashton Sonique Ashton F 16th September 2001 2. Gail Grant Dugarray Carr M 16th January 2001 3. Amalia Quow Cedrico Quow-Burke M 17th April 2001 4. Simone Lee Enrique Lee M 28th June 2001 5. Samantha Douglas Keron Gordon M 31st June 2002 6. Desiree Douglas 7. Fladine Berkley Kirisha Berkley F 3rd May 2002 8. Jocinth Quashie Rycinth Barbour F 1st June 2001 9. Tasha Duncan F 16th January 2003 10. Jerrol Duncan 11. Viviette Spencer Demaul Layne M 7th September 2001 12. Elena Douglas Phillicia Douglas 13. Baby 14. Jacintha Cunningham 15. Juliette Adams Chrisroy Adams M 19th March 2001 16. expecting 17. Suffrine Thomas Curtelo Edwards M 21st September 2001 18. Prudence Lovelace Leoncia Lovelace F 19. Morrissa Mckie Keneisha Mckie F 4th February 2002 20. Baby Jan,2004 21. Nesrene Prince Aaliyah Prince F 6th July 2002 22. Alice Jessamay F 4th April 2004 23. Elda James (Baby) M 24. Hilda Williams Jobarri Lowmans M 28th December 2001 25. Cleavern Pierre Simone Duncan F 4th August 2001 26. Edris Richardson Kijuan Richardson M 20th February 2001 27. Mollissa Richardson baby M 28. Enola Stephen Odorie Scott M 4th September 2001 29. Shelly-ann Franklyn F 30. Vanda Frederick 31. Bernadine Francis M 32. Marilyn Frederick 33. Veronica Laborde Lorrin Quow F 20th August 2001 34. Jameilia Frederick F 35. Idona Dickson Kentish Dickson M 13th February 2001 36. Kelitha Alexander F 9th October 2001 37. Sheryl-ann Primus F 38. Alrica Browne Tabita Francis F 19th September 2001 39. Tuey Francis F 40. Vincia Gabriel Hernettha Roberts F 26th January 2002 41. Schazelle Gibson Mellissa Gibson F 26th January 2001 42. Kayanna Gould 43. Shirlan Barbour 2004 44. Roxanne Barbour 2003 45. Irene Grant Winston Grant M 46. Laurine Duncan Fezel Greene M 21.12.2003 47. Cazael Greane M 12.1.01 48. Shirleen Williams Oran Chance M 24th June 2001 49. Jacqueline Lewis J’Vonee Lewis F 3rd November 2001 50. expecting 69 SVG Needs Assessment Report 6-29-04 51. Yolande Barbour Mekeal Williams M 12th February 2001 52. Cindy Henville M 53. Laurette John Name 54. Name M 2003 55. Gloria Gabriel Nathalie F Dec 2003 56. Versil Hepburn M 57. Jennifer Dann M 58. Maxine Stapleton Rasheed Rocque M 5th November 2001 59. Susan Rock Anthonio Rock M July 2001 60. expecting 61. Greta Browne Almina Browne F 16th September 2001 Barrouallie Health Centre Names Sex D.O.B Mothers' Name Address 1. Marlon Richards M 8.1.01 Marcia Richards Keartons 2. Cazael Duncan M 12.1.01 Laurine Duncan Pierre Hughes 3. Ashley Richards F 8.1.01 Shaneal Richardson Glebe Hill 4. Dugary Grant M 16.1.01 Gail Grant Reverision 5. Dannessa Baptiste F 10.2.01 Marsha Baptiste Keartons 6. Mekeal Williams M 12.2.01 YolandeBarnour High road 7. Airel Dickson F 13.2.01 Melissa Dickson Keartons Hill 8. Jemmie Keil M 10.2.01 Lavern Kiel Keartons Hill 9. M 13.2.01 Zidona Dickson Keartons Hill 10. Kijuan Richardson M 20.2.01 Edris Richardson Glebe Hill 11. Tueshumba Hepburn M 21.2.01 Valtrice Hepburn Glebe Hill 12. M 27.2.01 Clydette Creese Keartons 13. Caldeen Benn F 3.3.01 Claudia Benn Morgan Square 14. Trijon Layne M 9.3.01 Adrina Layne Keartons Hill 15. Brittney John F 13.3.01 Anesia John Reverision 16. Christroy Adams M 19.3.01 Juliette Adams Keartons 17. Blessie Richardson F 19.3.01 Etta Richardson Keartons hill 18. Marlon Culzac M 17.3.01 Urcella Culzac Glebe Hill 19. Le Anna Lovlace F 24.3.01 Prudence Lovelace Keartons 20. Jorani Charles M 6.4.01 Joanna Charles Keartons 21. Zimroy Lewis M 24.3.01 Ann-Marie John Bamboo Square 22. Osbourne Charles (T1) M 14.4.01 Charlene Anderson Bottle & Glass 23. Zania Charles (T2) M 14.4.01 Charlene Anderson Bottle & Glass 24. Dellie Primus F 15.4.01 Kimmy Primus Keartons Hill 25. Jellando John M 16.4.01 Jelda John Bottle & Glass 26. Jozanna Pierre F 27.4.01 Ann Pierre Keartons Hill 27. Mosanna Francis F 12.5.01 Jonella Francis Glebe Hill 28. Nicholas Layne M 6.5.01 Wilma Layne Glebe Hill 29. Garbriel Frederick F 24.5.01 Debbie Fedrick Green Hill 30. Adriel Lewis M 1.6.01 Shirlene lewis Walliabou 31. Ghota Rawlins M 1.6.01 Orlando Williams Glebe Hill 70 SVG Needs Assessment Report 6-29-04 32. Sarine Hannaway F 9.6.01 Pearlette Hannaway Buccament Bay 33. Preah Frederick F 14.6.01 Mishael Frederick Glebe Hill 34. F 14.6.01 Aileen Gabriel Keartons Hill 35. Rycinth Barbour F 1.6.01 Jacintha Quashie Reverision 36. Cedrico Quow M 17.4.01 Amalia Quow Reverision 37. F Shirlene Williams Pierre Hughes 38. F 27.6.01 Angella Delpesche Keartons 39. Mellesya Gibson F 26.6.01 Earlese Gibson Bottle & Glass 40. Rayforna Gould F 27.6.01 Cassita Gould Glebe Hill 41. Anrique Lee M 28.6.01 Simone Lee Reverision 42. Aliyah Lampkin F 6.7.01 Nesen Prince Walliabou 43. Jovani Edwards M 28.7.01 Michelle Ledger Keartons 44. Teddie Isaacs M 30.7.01 Annie Richard Glebe Hill 45. Azeem Browne M 2.8.01 Monique Browne Keartons hill 46. Ziwanna Johnson F 2.8.01 Joan William Glebe Hill 47. Simone Duncan F 4.8.01 Cleavern Pierre Bottle & Glass 48. Jomo Abraham M 7.8.01 Maria Abraham Glebe Hill 49. Leonard Griffith M 24.8.01 Rolene Griffith Keartons 50. Tyrese Davis M 19.8.01 Yistine Davis Bottle & Glass 51. Mackisha Roberts M 8.9.01 Katisha Roberts Glebe Hill 52. Delmo Lane M 7.9.01 Vivette Spencer Reverision 53. Desron Aurthur M 18.9.01 Rosedair Aurthur Glebe Hill 54. Ashantiaha Browne F 16.9.01 Greta Browne Pierre Hughes 55. Lasasha Quow F 15.6.01 Natasha Fredricks Reverision 56. Nickyce Daniel F 16.9.01 Jenese Lewis Glebe Hill 57. Tabilla Francis F 19.9.01 Alcia Francis Central 58. Kertello Thomas M 21.9.01 Sufrine Thomas Keartons 59. Corrohatte Durrant M 19.9.01 Ann Marie Durrant Green Hill 60. Lenore Lorraine M 28.7.01 Merle Lorraine Three Acres 61. Derano Ceasar M 24.9.01 Natasha Ceasar Keartons 62. Domell Gould M 28.9.01 Dawn Gloster High road 63. Zeshante Daltan F 29.9.01 Shelly Franklyn Glebe Hill 64. Aaliyah Samuel F 1.10.01 Shauna Samuel Reverision 65. Reynaldo Roberts M 3.10.01 Margret Roberts Glebe Hill 66. Johnika Seaton F 4.10.01 Calileen Hull Seaton Keartons Hill 67. Brittany Audain F 7.10.01 Dawn Audain Keartons Hill 68. Shemal Reid M 12.10.01 Sherry Reid Keartons 69. Shima McKie M 2.9.01 Angar McKie Keartons 70. Tineal Alexander F 9.10.01 Kelita Alexander Keartons Hill 71. Kyla Bulze F 20.10.01 Curline Hepburn Morgan Square 72. M 26.10.01 Yenorl Mason Pierre Wood 73. Alvan Campbell F 23.10.01 Cassandra Campbell Three Acres 74. Kazil Jessamy M 23.10.01 kate Jessamy Keartons 75. J'vonee Lewis F 3.11.01 Jacqueline Lewis School Hill 76. Rashide Rocque M 5.11.01 Marene Stapleton Reverision 77. Javan Bailey M 8.11.01 Marcelle Bailey Keartons 71 SVG Needs Assessment Report 6-29-04 78. Lanique Solomon F 15.11.01 Jozette Solomon Glebe Hill 79. Carlan Oliver M 16.11.01 Letisha oliver Keartons 80. Samuel Francis M 16.11.01 Larlita Francis Keartons Hill 81. Rose-ann Francis F 12.11.01 Renette Francis Reverision 82. Nolliesha Gordon F 21.11.01 Nouris O'Garro Glebe Hill 83. Azalia Lett F 22.11.01 Dawn McKie Keartons 84. Crispin Jack M 24.11.01 Alison Quow Central 85. Kitanna Richards F 22.11.01 Alica Richards Bottle & Glass 86. Kristrane Cane F 23.11.01 Ulitha Cane Glebe Hill 87. Twyzee Williams M 12.11.01 Monique Williams Reverision 88. Savis Jackson M 9.11.01 Lynette Jackson Central 89. Odelia Delpeshe F 7.12.01 Ingrid Delpesche Pierre Hughes 90. Tyrque Olliver M 7.12.01 Ruth Oliver Keartons 91. Juroney Codougan M 5.12.01 Juliet Doyle Glebe Hill 92. Philleen Hadaway F 4.12.01 Phillorn Anderson Reverision 93. Chrisford Bentick M 20.12.01 Camalita Bentick Pierre Wood 94. Javin Lewis M 14.12.01 Sylvia Lewis Bamboo Square 95. Julanus Gaymes M 29.12.01 Juanita Gaymes Glebe Hill 96. F 14.12.01 Loreta Badnock Three Acres 97. Destany Arthur F 6.5.01 Georgina Olton Reverision 98. Shaquroy Johnson M Sylvia Jackson Three Acres 99. Britney Billingy F Lucitta Charles Green Hill BYERA (CCF) Parent Name Age Child Name Sex Date of Birth 1. Patrick, Jennifer 1. Patrick, Chaz M 10.09.01 2. Patrick, Chazinna F 10.09.01 2. Mack, Katherine 3. Mack, Rick M 03.12.02 3. Burke, 4. Burke, Christina F 20.06.03 4. Daniel, (G ) 5. Daniel, Vasherna F 01.04.04 5. Stapleton, 6. Stapleton, F 06.03.04 6. Burke, Jason 7. Yearwood, Ekhan M 10.10.01 7. Daniel, Bertha(G) 8. Daniel, Anthony M 20.07.02 8. Butler, La Fleur 9. Butler, Prisia F 24.11.01 9. Woods, Steve 10. Williams, Steven M 12.05.02 10. Williams, Phyllis (G) 11. Williams, Anthony M 02.12.01 11. Cane, Kathleen 12. Boyea, Julia F 19.11.01 12. Dabriel, Lawrence 13. Dabriel, Rowene F 26.01.01 13. Williams, Corel 14. Gonsalves, Daniel M 29.01.02 14. James, Junior 15. Neptune, Annel F 19.12.01 15. Smith, Annetta 16. Smith, Eric M 25.06.01 16. Williams, Bridget 17. Williams, Ravi M 28.07.02 17. Roban, Harper (G) 18. Roban, Ivan M 27.02.01 18. Hackshaw, Curlina 19. Burke, Noel M 02.10.01 19. Warren, Cleonise 20. Lewis, Kyron M 29.02.03 20. Shallow, Monica (G) 21. Shallow, Ako M 05.10.02 21. “ “ (G) 22. Shallow, Marcus M 03.02.03 72 SVG Needs Assessment Report 6-29-04 22. Cane, Watson (G) 23. Cane, Calesia F 25.11.01 23. Cane, Wilson (G) 24. John, Desmond M 19.12.03 25. Stephen, Gerald 25. Neptune, Enarora F 31.10.01 26. Joseph, Junior 26. John, Kerwyn M 03.03.00 27. Mack, Katherine 27. Mack, Keison M 05.05.00 28. Edwards, La Fleur 28. Lewis, Kwanshell F 10.09.00 29. Stapleton, Ann 29. Stapleton, Shekika F 29.01.00 30. Williams, Jacqueline 30. Williams, Randell M 12.12.00 31. Adams, Evrod (G) 31. Adams, Kemroy M 23.08.00 32. Williams, Petrina (C) 32. Henry, Britney F .08.00 33.Moore, Mary (G) 33. Moore, Romano M 29.06.00 34. Joseph, Leopald 34. Toney, Haliyah F 10.04.00 35. Burke, E (G) 35. Benn, Jasmine F 31.07.00 36. Durrant, Idorne 36. Durrant, Sihahied M 25.03.00 NAMES RECEIVED FROM BYERA CLINIC Parent Name Sta-tus Address Child Name Sex Date Birth 1. Silverne Smith Byera Rowena Dabriel 26/01/2001 2. Ysan Phillips Jonell Culzac 06/02/2001 3. Cassandra Moore Byera Franklyn Moore 14/02/2001 4. Monell Thomas Byera Shaquan Thomas 14/02/2001 5. Sophia Douglas Byera Neisha Douglas 28/03/2001 6. Ingrid Olliver Byera Hill Raynesha Olliver 05/05/2001 7. Lavern John Kerwin John 09/05/20001 8. Jwanette Jack Byera Tyrone Francois 24/04/2001 9. Roslyn Davis Gorse Syndisha Davis 19/06/2001 10. Orler Smith Byera Eric Smith 25/06/2001 11. Amanda Culzac Byera Hill Allianna Culzac 01/07/2001 12. Stenika Francis Byera Kafique Francis 03/07/2001 13. KathyAnn Burke Chester Ria Burke 29/07/2001 14. Lavern Burke Chester Lex Burke 23/08/2001 15. Jennifer Patrick Chester Chez Patrick 10/09/2001 16. Jennifer Patrick Chester Chazinna Patrick 10/09/2001 17. Curlina Hackshaw Byera Noel Burke 02/10/2001 18. Charlene Samuel Byera Hill Stephanie Samuel 04/10/2001 19. Keisha Yearwood Chester Ethan Yearwood 10/10/2001 20. Asha Culzac Byera Keith Culzac 25/10/2001 21. Debra Neptune Byera hill Shanara Neptune 30/10/2001 22. Kathleen Caine Byera Julia Boyea 19/11/2001 23. Natalie Williams Byera Danicia Williams 24/11/2001 24. La Fleur Butler Gorse Anesea Butler 24/11/2001 25. Roxann Haywood Chester Erran Arrindell 13/12/2001 26. Tishorn Shallow Byera Hill Alijah Shallow 26/12/2001 27. Clarones Bynoe Byera Hill Kavaughn Peters 30/12/2001 28. Valcena Culzac Byera Mellisa Culzac 26/12/2001 29. Zenor Roban Byera Hill Iran Roban 27/02/2001 30. Denise Tittle Byera Denesha Tittle 02/11/2001 31. Jemonia Da Souza Byera Shamron Da Souza 02/01/2001 32. Idor Billingy Chester Tonique Billingy 16/01/2002 33. Corel Lewis Byera Daniel Gonsalves 29/01/2002 34. Kay Holder Byera Orayier Holder 07/02/2002 35. Sherlene Holder Byera Kellisa Neptune 03/03/2002 36. Natasha Billingy Byera Hill Chelsea Billy 17/03/2002 73 SVG Needs Assessment Report 6-29-04 37. Imogene Ellis Byera Nicques Ellis 29/03/2002 38. Sheena Thomas Byera Jajmaine Thomas 05/04/2002 39. Vasilea Cain Byera Anthonio Cain 19/04/2002 40. Amelia Porter Byera Karylee Porter 04/02/2002 41. Joyelyn Williams Byera Steven Williams 12/05/2002 42. Cleopatria Currency Byera Rogeik Currency 13/01/2002 43. Helen Moore Chester Olivia Moore 20/06/2002 44. Navne Mack Chester Elroy Mack 24/06/2002 45. Roslyn Miller Byera Tonique Miller 09/07/2002 46. Bridgette Williams Byera Hill Ravi Francois 28/07/2002 47. Vashti Daniel Chester Anthony Williams 29/07/2002 48. Audrey Richards Byera Faith Richards 11/08/2002 49. Vanelsea Roban Byera Hill Hanelal Roban 05/09/2002 50. Tishorn Mack Chester Paulson Mack 05/09/2002 51. Nicole Lampkin Byera Kayanna Laynes 05/09/2002 52. Cassandra Moore Byera Bradley Moore 22/09/2002 53. Avonell Sam Byera Hill Osique Sam 17/09/2002 54. Karen Samuel Chester Irvine Samuel 06/10/2002 55. Allicia Gonsalves Byera H Shante Neptune 14/10/2002 56. Esther Nimblett Byera H Kyle Nimblette 21/10/2002 57. Denise Burke C Ronel Burke 30/10/2002 58. Jemma Warren Byera H Javanne Williams 27/11/2002 59. Angella Richards CHester Azesha Richards 25/11/2002 60. Susan Mack Chester Kelson Mack 03/12/2002 61. Natalie James Chester Dmarion Samuel 08/12/2002 62. Thamico Phillips Chester Tewana Burke 25/12/2002 63. Monita Hoyte Mangrove Monica Hoyte 03/12/2002 64. Natasha Grant Byera Tasheka Grant 21/03/2002 65. Jasmine Pollard G’town Garett Denney 12/02/2002 66. Letyles Williams Byera Kesron Williams 24/01/2003 67. Debbie Shallow Byera H Marcus Shallow 03/02/2003 68. Stacia Shallow Byera H Zoran Shallow 04/01/2003 69. Joycelyn Smith Byera Cheyanna Smith 10/02/2003 70. Vanessa Williams Byera Kyle Williams 10/02/2003 71. Michelle Richards Chester Augustus Richards 09/02/2003 72. Cleonne Lewis Byera H Kyron Lewis 28/02/2003 73. Sharmon Neptune Byera H Sio Neptune 19/03/2003 74. Anna Shallow Byera H Akelia Shallow 03/04/2003 75. Desiree Taylor Chester Kender Taylor 18/04/2003 76. Iyardi Thompson Gorse Ashanti Thompson 28/04/2003 77. Hayden Billingy Byera H Cidaney Billingy 21/05/2003 78. Cherriel James Byera Moriah James 30/05/2003 79. Shanell Scrubb Gorse Juana Scrubb 09./06/2003 80. Erranny Burke Chestser Christiana Burke 20/06/2003 81. Monique Aberdeen Byera Jahiem Andrews 03/07/2003 82. Vashti Nimblette Byera H Olannie Nimblett 12/07/2003 83. Yvonne Adams Byera H Irvin Jr Warren 30/07/2003 84. Parmester Joseph Byera H Esron Joseph 07/08/2003 85. Ivorn Daniel Byera Ronell Daniel 05/08/2003 86. Shakira Lewis Byera H Aron Lewis 09/08/2003 87. Lynette Williams Chester Mickella Williams 15/08/2003 88. Sheena Thomas Byera Elyssa Thomas 27/08/2003 89. Avalyn Alfred Colonnaire Jeva Alfred 23/07/2003 90. Annette Woods Byera MaryAnn Woods 16/09./2003 74 SVG Needs Assessment Report 6-29-04 91. Melissa Jack Byera Sasha Jack 19/10/2003 92. Menelva Grant Byera Gracia Grant 07/11/2003 93. Marilyn Francois Byera H Wasio Adams 30/10/2003 94. Sherllan Burke Chester Jeffroy Burke 01/12/2003 95. Denise Alleyne Byera Inayah Gonsalves 22/08/2003 96. Petrona Browne Byera H Ryan Alexander 20/08/2003 97. Christerlean Snagg Chester Raina Horne 06/12/2003 98. Debra Moore Byera Delanique Moore 15/12/2003 99. Deliah Miller Byera Kishania Miller 16/12/2003 100. Allison Neptune Byera H Desmond John 19/12/2003 101. Ginella Hoyte Mangrove Javiere Hoyte 25/12/2003 102. Hycainth Patrick Chester 28/12/2003 103. Rhonda Williams Byera Bevin Williams 09/11/2003 104. Deborah Williams Byera Vernisha Williams 23/12/2003 105. Anastacia Phillips Byera Jeremy Phillips 04/03/2003 106. Petula Williams Byera Tyra Collins 04/01/2004 107. Ann Stapleton Chester Nyasha Grant 06/03/2004 108. Venus Roban Byera Hill B/o Vanul Roban 25/03/2004 109. Annetta Williams Chester B/o Annetta Williams 13/04/2004 110. Shanielle Peters Gorse B/o Shamele Peters 29/04/2004 BYERA FOCUS AND COMMUNITY MEETING * Parent under 21 years May 19, 2004 Parent Name Age Tel # Child Name Sex Date of Birth Focus Group 1. Volisa Shallow No live child 2. Bridgette Williams Azor Williams M 28/07/2002 3. Vancin Roban Beauty Roban F 11/03/2004 4. Marilyn Francis Wasid Adams M 24/10/2003 5. Eranny Burke Christiana Burke F 20/06/2003 6. Tishorn Mack Paulson Mack M 05/09/20002 7. Natalie James * Omarion Samuel M 08/12/2002 8. Kathy- Ann Burke Ria Burke F 29/07/2004 9. Christerleen Snagg * Kaisia Snagg F 06/12/2003 10. Laverne Burke Lex Burke M 23/08/2001 11. Michelle Richards * Usha Richards M 09/02/2002 12. Cherriel Williams Moriah James F 22/05/2003 13. Narie Mack * Elroy Mack M 24/06/2002 14. Anetta Williams Earland Jr Williams M 13/04/2002 15. Vashti Daniel Anthony Daniel F 29/07/2002 16. Thamico Williams * Tewana Burke F 25/12/2002 17. Valdisha Culzac * Jironnie Culzac M 18/04/2002 18. Vanessa Williams * Kyle Williams M 10/02/2003 COMMUNITY MEETING 19. Valcina Culzac Mellisa Cul;zac F 26/12/2001 20. Ashu Culzac * Keith Culzac M 25/10/2002 21. Slemonia DaSouza * Shamron Da Souza M 02/01/2002 22. Amanda Culzac * Allianna Culzac F 01/07/2001 23. Ann Stapleton Naisha Grant M 06/03/2004 24. Debra Neptune Shanar Neptune F 30/10/2001 25. Orla Smith Eric Smith M 05/04/2002 26. Sheena Woods * Jahmaine Thomas M 05/04/2002 75 SVG Needs Assessment Report 6-29-04 27. Susan Hillocks * Elissa Thomas F 27/08/2003 28. Ingrid Olliver 29. Niasha Williams 30. Susan Mack * Ikel Mack M 03/12/2002 31. Cleonise Warren Kiran Warren M 1 year SANDY BAY (HEALTH CLINIC) Parent Name Child Name 1. Kurl Sutherland Jovanie Sam 2. Cassandra Sam Shania Sam 3. Vernette Ince Lamax Ince 4. Cassian Nero Desran McLean 5. Verene Baptiste Zuron Baptiste 6. Georgiaria Sutherland Christianria Sutherland 7. Eva Lavia Shellisia Sutherland 8. Lucin Baptiste Javed Baptiste 9. Shornette Roberts Malcaldo Aberdeen 10. Sharon Nero Devrick Young 11. Shermine Peters Leo- Junior Roberts 12. Juliet Ballantyne Elisa Ballantyne 13. Ulrica Baptiste Danwayne Baptiste 14. Eve Nanton Britney Nanton 15. Colern Baptiste Eriel Welcome 16. Evelyn Lavia Denrick Lavia 17. Joy Baptiste Marcus Baptiste 18. Chirmine Nero Antonette Nero 19. Ferensce Baptiste Ronaldo Browne 20. Keresa Hoyte Kereshia Hoyte 21. Sharon Woods Tryisha Woods 22. Morvette Baptiste Zevion Baptiste 23. Janniel Baptiste 24. Karen Pompey Desrie Pompey 25. Verene Baptiste Omarro Baptiste 26. Luenda Brackin Angella Baptiste 27. Hellen Baptiste Kenisha Baptiste 28. Catherina Sutherland Leroy Sutherland 29. Marcella Charles Lenroy Sutherland 30. Lena Baptiste Dllyan Charles 31. Jasmine Baptiste Lerondo Baptiste 32. Rayan Baptiste 33. Jennifer May Jeron May 34. Hepcie Roberts Craig Roberts 35. Nedesha Lavia Juanice Lavia 36. Cheryl Stay Chesney Shay 37. Yvonne Nanton Keraudo Osment 38. Donnette Toppin Irvaldo Thomas 76 SVG Needs Assessment Report 6-29-04 39. Juliana Nero Desroy Nero 40. Kelsa Nanton Kelrick Nanton 41. Deniella J Johnson Jemmissia Johnson 42. Shermine Peters Mikeroy Peters 43. Nina Sam Akiel Sam 44. Lydia Ballantyne Curticia Mattis 45. Shauta Baptiste Zayshawn Baptiste 46. Suzette Baptiste Tyrese Baptiste 47. Rayleen Hoyte Kadeem Hoyte 48. Camelin Baptiste Jemelia Baptiste 49. Monette Lavia Manelle Lavia 50. Clourn Pierre Unnamed 51. Noami Pope Unnamed 52. Danielle John Kia John 53. Annete Lavia Keneshia Lavia 54. Marcia Brackin Unnamed 55. Kitrana Williams Unnamed 56. Maveern Baptiste Jaden Hoyte 57. Karleen Francois Unnamed 58. Natalie Baptiste Unnamed 59. Shaniel Baptiste T Jani 60. Mischka Roberts Chelsi Clarke 61. Loender Roberts Unnamed 62. Veronica Hoyte Veronique Thomas 63. Deborah Ballantyne Unnamed 64. Sharal Williams Unnamed 65. Shirley Drakes Unnamed SANDY BAY ATTENDEES AT COMMUNITY MEETING – MAY 20/04 Parent Name Age Tel Child`s Name Date of Birth 1. Karen Pompey* Eldon Pompey 19/08/1991 2. LoenderRoberts Rafanique Roberts 20/11/2003 3. DeniellaJohnson * Jeminisia Johnson 7/3/2003 4. Juliana Nero Berson Nero 7/2/2003 5. Clifford Francois Palgie Francois 29/12/1999 6. Cheryl Mc Dowall 7. Coleen Nero 8. Shirley Drakes Burnelle Drakes 13/12/2000 9. Elliyah Drakes 23/08/2003 10. Nadesha Lavia Clinsroy Lavia 12/10/2000 11. Kelsa Nanton Jaunice Lavia 20/01/2003 12. May Kelrick Nanton 25/ /2003 13. Alison Cordice Emisto May 01/ / 2003 14. Andrea May Daziah May 5/10/2002 15. Raylene Hoyte Kardeem Henry 25/06/2003 77 SVG Needs Assessment Report 6-29-04 16. Keresa Hoyte Kereshia Hoyte 18/06/2001 17. Movette Baptiste Zavion Baptiste 22/02/2002 18. Desiree Ballantyne Keron Ballantyne 17/09/1999 19. Lisa Baptiste Danalisa Baptiste 18/08/2000 20. Charmin Nero Cherique Nero 9/8/2000 21. Lucin Baptiste Javid Baptiste 3/12/2002 22. Martina Lavia 23. Jenielle Baptiste (Rover) 24. Claudia Francis R 25. Monique Lavia R 26. Michelle Lavia R SANDY BAY CCF LIST Parent Name Age Child Name Sex D of Birth 1. Baptist, Gordon 1. Baptiste, Kimony F 30.08.00 2. Devonte Hoyte M 19.05.01 2. Eve Nanton 3. Britney Nanton F 04.04.01 3. Inez May (G) 4. Dazia May F 05.10.02 5. Ronaldo Baptiste M 09.06.01 4. Emeline Baptiste 6. Jemelia Baptiste F 10.07.03 5. Xement Campbell (C) 7. Marko Baptiste M .12.01 8. Omaro Baptiste M 16.05.02 6. Ernestino Nero ( C) 9. Kenesha Nero F 26.11.02 Ernestino Nero (M ) 10. Shemar Nero M 12.08.00 7. Edwin Glasgow (G) 11. Crisroy Lavia M 17.10.00 Edwin Glasgow ( C) 12. Shelise Lavia F 17.12.00 8. Chiefton May (G) 13. Zenda Lewis M 13.11.01 9. Leroy May (G) 14. Zevion Baptiste M 22.01.02 10. John Wilson 15. Kimal Sutherland M 29-08-00 11. Casela Peters 16. Eddisha Peters F 03-06-00 12. Francis Lavia (G) 17. Mackada Mc Coy F 25-05-00 Francis Lavia (G) 18. Macshello Mc Coy M 13-12-01 13. Alfantina Browne 19. Antonio Browne F 15-09-00 14. Elevern Sutherland 20. Clevridge Pierre M 25-09-01 21. Clevique Pierre M 22-11-00 15. Jeffrey Lavia 22. Giovanni Lavia M 22-11-00 16. David Ashton 23. Rayshad Ashton M 05-09-01 17. Mayble Roberts 24. Solano Sutherland M 25-03-02 18. Gordon Baptiste 25. Micah Baptiste M 08-04-02 19. ?? roy May 26. Enise Lavia F 03-11-01 20. Catherine Sutherland 27. Lenroy Sutherland M 15-08-02 21. Berisford Nero (G) 28. Camiele Nero F 06-09-01 22. Andrea Nanton 29. Angenello Rose F 19-06-01 23. Carl Roberts (G) 30. Britney Peters F 26-04-00 24. Shirley May ( C) 31. Brianna May F 04-12-02 25. Matilda Baptiste ( C) 32. Leronda Baptiste M 04-11-02 26. Dianna Delicia 33. Kenroy Delicia M 26-02-00 27. Genervie Sam (G) 34. Akeel Pompey M 28-04-03 28. Isabel Baptiste (G) 35. Eriel Welcome M 19-04-01 78 SVG Needs Assessment Report 6-29-04