THE INITIATIVE SERVES AT-RISK CHILDREN BY PROVIDING ACADEMIC SUPPORT AND PSYCHOSOCIAL CARE DURING AFTER-SCHOOL HOURS.

As students begin to return to the classroom, the Ministry of Equity, Social Justice, and Empowerment is preparing to launch the 2024-2025 cycle of the Community After-School Program (CASP).

Running from September 9, 2024, to March 31, 2025, the flagship initiative targets children from disadvantaged backgrounds, providing them with academic support, life skills training, and psychosocial care during the after-school hours.

Deputy Director of Social Transformation, Kendall Elva, highlighted the significance of the program, "The community after-school program is intended to foster social inclusion of children from disadvantaged backgrounds by way of exposing them to enrichment activities during after-school hours, with the aim of fostering their holistic development and ensuring that they become citizens who are productive, resilient, and responsible."

The program will be implemented in 17 communities across the island, with activities ranging from arts and crafts to cooking and agriculture. Elva emphasized the importance of community involvement, noting the collaboration with various stakeholders, including the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Gender Relations and Sustainable Development, faith-based organizations, and community leaders. To further ensure the well-being of the children, the program will include psychosocial support through professional counselors.

"While participating in the program, the children would be provided with psychosocial support by way of exposing them to professional counselors who will implement a psychosocial plan to ensure that the serious eclectic psychosocial needs of the children have been addressed in a very comprehensive and sustainable manner." says the Deputy Director of Social Transformation, Kendall Elva.

The Ministry of Equity, Social Justice, and Empowerment’s After-School Program is committed to empowering vulnerable youth in Saint Lucia. It is focused on strengthening communities and fostering a united and resilient society.