Pantin, Gerard, Fr.2022-01-182022-01-181979754https://hdl.handle.net/2139/52855Also published in 1983 by The High/Scope PressAn innovative project started in 1971 in Trinidad to bring about self-reliance and freedom from dependence in poor communities, Servol has grown steadily and shows significant results. Under local leadership, a series of activities were begun, until the programme took shape as a voluntary organization--Service Volunteered for All (SERVOL). The setting up of nursery schools/daycare centres proved one successful way of engaging community interest and support and most of the schools soon passed into the control of local village councils. Another point of entry for urban people was the creation of vocational courses for young people aged 15-19 who dropped out of school but remained unemployed. The trade training courses have proved effectively that production and education can be linked. As Servol institutions grew, it was found that they became polyvalent, embracing activities that involved all sectors of the community from babies to adults and the aged, so that now they are termed Life Centres. While originally based on an urban environment, Servol has developed projects in rural areas, for agriculture, health services, and preschool education, again integrated in the Life Centre approach. Throughout its growth, Servol has retained a catalytic role in community development, making use of local para-professionals and transferring control to the community as soon as possible. To better perform this function, the organization set up a training centre, which is open to students from other parts of the CaribbeanSERVOL