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PGDFF Caribbean
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The Caribbean is a region that consists of the Caribbean Sea, its islands (some surrounded by the Caribbean Sea and some bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean), and the surrounding coasts. These member states include Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Guadeloupe Haiti, Jamaica, Martinique, Montserrat , Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago.
On July 17th 2023 ,PGDFF Caribbean was officially incorporated in Barbados.The foundation continues the mission of catering to underprivileged and vulnerable children in the region by providing access to free medical care,educational and literacy tools and a safe environment for children to play and be active.
PGDFF Caribbean Inc. is a registered charity Company No.51624 under the Charities Act of Barbados .
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The" Barbados is Blooming "campaign aims at partnering with local corporations and entities to bring value-added resources for the children in Barbados .

Phase 1 literacy project and Phase 2 Youth Advocacy Program in partnership with Massy Foundation Barbados Inc.

AUGUST 2024

SUMMER CAMPS

PGDFF Caribbean supported the Summer Camp initiative run by the Ministry of Youth,Sports and Community Empowerment.This year, over 3000 campers gathered at 44 locations.With the support of our sponsors we were able to provide two projects for the children.

With Affinity Plus art walls and crayons were given so kids can explore their creative side

With Kooyman they were able learn about plants and grow thier own vegetables.

SEMINAR-HEALTHY YOU

Dr.Krishnamurthy Kandamaran,Global Health and Relief Director,of PGDFF Caribbean lead a seminar on Nuturing Healthly Eating Habits with the camp children at the Wesleyan Church location. This was an interactive session where kIds learnt why they should eat healthy and even named their favorite fruits and vegetables. Fruits were then distributed .This session was preceded by a Yoga sessio where the children learnt about yoga and practised the basics.This was led by the International Yoga Association.

UNIVERSITY OF WEST INDIES KEYNOTE

As part of the Youth Advocacy Seminar Series PGDFF Caribbean with our sponsor Massy Foundation Barbados Inc provided the Key note speaker for the orientation at University of West Indies. The theme this year was Empowering Change: Climate Action Starts and Ends with Me!
Speaker Ricardo Marshall from the Prime Minister's office gave a great session.Climate Change and Climate Finance on the Front Lines of the Climate Small Island Developing States the Countries of CARICOM see to address the challenge of building climate resilience and ensuring our survival as we sit on the front lines of the climate crisis. The nexus of development and resilience brings significant challenges not least of which is how we seek to finance such, in the face of increasing loss and damage. This address seeks to bring some clarity on the above.

June 2024

KOOYMAN

PGDFF, in partnership with Kooyman, is trying to create a well-rounded and enjoyable learning experience about plants for kids in the Summer Camp Program run by the Ministry of Youth,Sports and Community Empowerment .
Teaching kids about plants can be a fun and engaging experience.The program will let kids plant their own seeds in small pots or a garden and watch the seeds sprout and grow over time.
Marketing Director for Kooyman Barbados ,Charlene Mullins , presented the gift vouchers to the PGDFF Team of Anita Sundaram and Sushma Kini. These vouchers will be used to buy the supplies for the Summer Camp Program.
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Summer Camp Kidz Art

PGDFF is really excited to contribute to the Summer Camp Program run by the Division of Youth ,under the Ministry of Youth,Sports, and Community Empowerment.
Every year, almost 3500 children attend these free camps.
This could not have happened without the support of our sponsor Affinity Plus Credit Unions.
Incorporating coloring and art into the early development of children is essential for fostering a wide range of skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.
Helps develop fine motor skills, improving their ability to control hand movements, which is essential for writing and other tasks.
Art encourages children to use their imagination, which can boost their problem-solving skills .
It provides a safe outlet for children to express their emotions, helping them to understand and manage their feelings better.
And most of all it is so much fun !
Attending the ceremony were Director of Youth Affairs Mr Cleveston Hunte, Principal Youth Development officer Andrea Titus and the ProjectcTeam for the summer Camp.PGDFF was represented by Anita Sundaram and Sushma Kini.Mrs .Valerie Hope of Affinity Plus Credit Union represented the sponsors.
It ended with everyone getting to color and see how fun it can be.

BONNETS & BAYVILLE COMMUNITY CENTERS

PGDFF Caribbean's continued literacy campaign aims to improve literacy rates among children in the region. As part of the Barbados is Blooming Campaign sponsored by Massy Foundation,libraries were set up at Bayville and Bonnets Community Center in partnership with the Community Development Department.Books provide essential resources for learning and education.Members of the Community Development Department led by Mrs.Yolande Skeete and the PGDFF Team of Anita Sundaram and Sushma Kini attended the installation ceremonies.At Bonnets Community Center,Mrs Sophia Husband,Aide to MP William Duguid also attended.
Local author Mario Herbert also donated copies of his children's books to the libraries.

Grantley Prescod Memorial Primary School

Children of the Grantley Prescod Primary School were pleasantly surprised at assembly on being recipients of a free little library. This installation was part of the Barbados Blooming Campaign sponsored by Massy Foundation in partnership with PGDFF Caribbean.
Cultivating a love for reading early in life can lead to lifelong learning habits.
Guests of PGDFF Caribbean The Optimist Club of Barbados,Bridgetown were represented by Director Mobola Aguda,VP &JOI initiative chair ,Jolicia Springer and member Bina Daswani.The club donated much needed books for the cause.
Mr. Adrian Blackman and Mrs. Yolanda Alleyne accepted the library on behalf of the school. Mr. Blackman said, "Right now the school is focusing on literacy and it is fantastic to get books to the children's liking."

World Blood Donor Day

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World Blood Donor Day is held on June 14 each year. The event was organised for the first time in 2004, by four core international organizations: the World Health Organization, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies; the International Federation of Blood Donor Organizations and the International Society of Blood Transfusion to raise awareness of the need for safe blood and blood products …
Dr.Kandamaram Krishnamurthy ,Global Relief and Health Director.PGDFF Caribbean Inc..playing his part

MAY 2024

Library at Rockfield Community Center

Members of the Rockfield community and students of the Ignatius Byer Primary School can now get lost in the magical world of books at a new mini library.
This mini library is the eighth instalment of its kind after the community centre was closed for repairs for seven years.
Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment Charles Griffith is hopeful there will be 20 more set up across the island but urges members of the community to donate books to the library.
He was speaking during the ‘Barbados is Blooming’ launch, a literacy project of the Prince Godwill D. Fomusoh Foundation Inc. and the Massy Foundation at the Rockfield Community Centre, St. Lucy.
Minister Griffith says he was also looking forward to seeing mini reading clubs and study halls created and expanded to all other locations.

Donation of books to Anne Hill School

PGDFF Caribbean donated some special needs books that could be used by the teaching staff.They were given a tour of the garden and work being done.

APRIL 2024

Youth Advocacy Program Phase 2
Cyber Security and Internet Bullying

20 Barbados YouthADVANCE Corps (BYAC) trainees recently participated in Phase 2 of the Youth Advocacy Programme, a collaborative effort between PGDFF Caribbean and Massy Foundation Barbados Inc., as part of the Barbados is Blooming Project.
The initiative saw special speakers Arnal Goslin, Dr. Edith Fomuso, and Chris Burgess enlightening the youth on critical topics including Cyber Security, Social Media, and Internet Bullying.
The programme, which was held at the Barbados Community College, aims to empower young individuals with essential knowledge and skills to navigate the digital landscape safely and responsibly.
The presenters were joined by PGDFF Global Relief and Health Director, Dr. Kandamaran Krishnamurthy for a question and answer panel session at the end of the presentations.

Donations Made To New Little LIBRARY AT CLAPHAM COMMUNITY CENTER

Another mini-library has been installed at the Clapham Community Centre in St Michael. This latest addition, included a special addition of book donations by Barbadian authors.

Barbadian author, Dr. Zoanne Evans donated two of her books to the mini-library, noting that it brought back childhood memories to her.
Dr. Evans, who grew up in the Clapham community, says she worked with the centre for years to improve literacy skills, noting that “reading is vital for children.”

She’s pledged to donate more books to the library and thanked the Community Development Department, the Massy Foundation and the Prince Godwill D Formusoh Foundation and, for partnering to make the initiative a reality for Barbados.

Another local author, Mario Herbert also donated some books to the library. Mr. Herbert specialises in children’s books focusing on things Barbadian and he’s hoping that the children enjoy them immensely.
Mrs. Petra Chase, Community Development Aide attached to the Clapham Community Centre lauded the initiative, saying it’s vital that “children are able to read and do after school programmes at the centre.”

Global Relief Director of the Prince Godwill D Formusoh Foundation, Dr Krishnamurthy Kandamaran says the Clapham mini-library is the eighth such installation at community centres across Barbados.

He says two more installations are earmarked for June before the Foundation embarks on phase two of the initiative which is the Literacy Project.
Dr. Kandamaran also thanked the Massy Foundation and the CDD for the “incredible support” they have given to the min-libraries project. Others present for the launch included Managing Director PGDFF Caribbean, Anita Sundaram, Senior Community Development Officers, Heather Jones & Sophia Parris, Community Development Officer, Marilyn Hollingsworth, PGDFF local team member, Rhea Greenidge and a delegation from the PGDFF Foundation Office in the USA consisting of Dr. Edith Fomuso & Dr. Esona Fomuso.

Library at Eden Lodge Community Center

Friday, April 19th also saw a ‘Little Library’ being unveiled at Eden Lodge Community Centre in St. Michael, while on Thursday, April 18th the Rockfield Centre in St Lucy, became the home for another ‘Little Library’. The PGDFF Barbados Blooming ‘Little Libraries’ Initiative aims to get reading back into Barbadian communities following a decline during the covid-19 pandemic period. The project is a collaboration with sponsors Massy Foundation and partnership with the Community Development Department.

Library at Kendal Community Center

MINISTER GRIFFITH EMBRACES LITTLE LIBRARIES PROJECT APRIL 24, 2024
Community Empowerment Minister, the Honourable, Charles Griffith wants to see the Mini-Libraries initiative replicated across Barbados. He made the comment whilst delivering remarks at Kendal in St John, where the latest “Little Library” was officially opened.
He contends that given its impact and magnitude, this should be a National Project, and not be limited to only ten community-based locations. Openly embracing the initiative, the Minister stated that more of them were necessary to propel young people forward and assist in expanding minds and in some cases, social and economic situations.
Minister Griffith, who is also the Member of Parliament for St. John, highlighted the importance of having the ‘Little Libraries’ within communities like Kendal, where persons would no longer have to travel distances to access library books. “This is much more than a mini-library, given that the books are coming to the community, this provides an opportunity for the youngsters to be able to see the world through books”, he added.
In thanking the Prince Godwill D. Fomusoh Foundation, coordinators of the initiative in partnership with Massy Foundation, Minister Griffith enthusiastically stated, “I really appreciate this, so on behalf of the government and the Ministry, I really embrace this initiative and more initiatives like this are necessary to propel our young people forward”. He lauded the efforts in partnering with the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment to deliver initiatives such as this one, to improve literacy across the island.
The Community Empowerment Minister pledged that his Ministry would nurture the project to ensure maximum benefit for the Barbadian population. He also personally pledged to contribute books to the Kendall Library and other locations across Barbados.
Several children from the Kendal Community attended the installation of the Little Library, and witnessed Minister Griffith cutting the ribbon to officially unveil the project.

FEBRUARY 2024

visit to cdd

It was a lively morning at the Community Development Department on Tuesday, 20th February, 2024, as Prince Godwill D. Fomusoh of the West-African nation of Cameroon paid a courtesy visit to the Department.
The prince, who arrived in Barbados on Sunday for a busy three-day visit, is the founder of the Prince Godwill D. Fomusoh Foundation (PGDFF), which has partnered with the Community Development Department and Massy Foundation on the Barbados is Blooming “Little Libraries” project.
This project involves the installation of free little libraries at a number of the Department’s community centres, the first of which was installed at the Parkinson Resource Centre, and the latest of which was installed on Friday, 16th February at the Ellerton Community Centre.

book reading

PGDFF Book reading at Ellerton Primary School.
PGDFF Caribbean,at the request of Principal Andrew Haynes ,donated books to the library of Ellerton Primary School.
The presentation was made by Prince Godwill D.Fomusoh,founder and president, and included copies of his co-written children's book Flying with the Prince.
As part of the event,two students read the book to the class.
Ms.Shioma Francis-Porte
Early childhood coordinator and reading teacher was very grateful for the donation to the library.

donation to bcc

PGDFF Caribbean Inc donates to Barbados Community College.
As part of the Barbados is Blooming Project, PGDFF Caribbean collaborated with the woodworking class within the Technical division of BCC.
Prince Godwill D Fomusoh,founder and president, was on hand to present the principal of Barbados Community College Mrs. Allison Alleyne with equipment for the division to continue to touch the lives and build skills of the talented youth in the course.
Mrs. Alleyne was grateful and said that just the wood chipper would help students generate revenue for the department and add more equipment.
Head of Technical Division Nnaka Forde,Deputy Principal Mr.Bowen,Mr Peter Worrell, and Mr Shawn Brathwaite of the woodworking division and from PGDFF Managing Director Anita Sundaram and Global Relief Director, Dr.Kandamaran were all at hand at the presentation. Several students who were part of the construction team also attended.

Library installations

Installation of Free Little Library at Ellerton Community Center.This is part of the literacy project in partnership with Massy Foundation Barbados with assistance from the Community Development Department.
Present to witness were members of the Community Development Center Management headed by Ms.Yolande Skeete, Mr.Andrew Haynes and students if the Ellerton Primary School.
The library was inaugurated by PGDFF Caribbean where by three libraries were set up I the week The other two at St.Mark's Community Center in St.Philip and Baywood Community Center in Orange Hil.
Installation of a Free Little Library at Shelley's Cottage,one of the homes in the Child Care Board system.
Ms. Sherriann Weir accepted the library on behalf of the Child Care Board from PGDFF Caribbean Inc., who were represented by Dr.Kandamaram, Global Relief Director, and Mrs.Sushma Kini,Regional Project Manager.
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 DECEMBER 2023

PAINT- A -THON AT MASSY SUPERCENTER

Several youngsters showed off their artistry in the Massy car park,Warrens.

On display were 13 libraries, crafted by the woodworking class of the Barbados Community College, being painted by the volunteers from the Barbados Youth Corp, BCC, Massy Foundation and the PGDFF Team.

These free little libraries will be placed across the island at community centers, schools , and childcare board homes where children can take and read books.

The initiative was launched with the hope of rekindling a love for reading among the youth.

December 21st

PGDFF Spreading holiday cheer

The Child Care Board was the recipient of holiday baskets with books and Chefette food vouchers.(Emphasing to give kids salads and grilled food as healthier options) .Child Care Board Director Roseanne Richards accepted the gifts presented by PGDFF Global Health and Relief Director Dr.Krishnamurthy Kandamaran and Regional Project Manager,Sushma Kini.

Ms.Richards said that she is aware of the Free Little Libraries Project, and they have earmarked the cottages at the Nightengale Children's Village as a location in the new year to install a Free Little Library.

The PGDFF Caribbean literacy project is a collaboration with the Massy Foundation (Barbados) to give the children access to books in a free little library setup.

This project could not have been possible without the support of the Community Development Department and the students of the woodworking class of The Barbados Community College.

Dr.Kanda ended by reading a personal message from Prince Godwill, founder and president of the foundation:

"I want to wish you and your team Happy Holidays and keep doing the good work, and I am looking forward to working with you in the New Year."

BARBADOS NOVEMBER 2023

November 15th 2023

The 2nd Library was set up to cater to the needs of Ann Hill School students by giving them the appropriate books they need.

Massy Foundation Barbados Inc Director, Mrs. Dawn Layne said they were happy to partner once again with PGDFF ,to ignite the love of reading.It is essential for whether we are young people or older young people. Mrs Christina Johnson and Mrs Janelle Fletcher also of members of the Massy foundation were present.

Principal of Ann Hill, Mrs Esmelda Belle thanked all involved in the project for. remembering that institution and its students.
The libraries are being built by the students of the woodworking class at the Barbados Community College.

The ribbon was cut by Head Boy - Shaquan Bancroft and Head Girl- Jahzara Holder as teams from PGDFF Caribbean Inc,Massy Foundation (Barbados) Inc, Barbados Community College, Ann Hill School and Ministry of Education representatives looked on.

November 7 th 2023.

Launch at Parkinson Resource Center .

The Community Development Department is one of the partners of an initiative intended to reverse the decline in literacy in Barbados. It’s the Little Libraries project, which was launched on Tuesday, 7th November, 2023 at the Parkinson Resource Center in the Pine, St Michael.

Acting Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment, Hon. Davidson Ishmael, M.P announced that there will be similar libraries at various community centers throughout the island, with the aim to reach all sectors of the Barbadian population,” Minister Ishmael remarked.

He also added that the Ministry has conceptualized the project as a likely foundation for the formation and revival of reading clubs which will have the knock-on benefit of ensuring the sustainability of these mini-libraries. “Through its various agencies the Ministry commits to offer those reading clubs technical and financial support, and I am confident that our various partners who are with us today will pledge similar support,” he added. Minister Ishmael cut the ribbon to officially open the first Little Library, noting that its impact could be far reaching. When finished 15 mini-libraries will be established across Barbados.

Behind the scenes at BCC.

PGDFF Caribbean is proud to partner with Barbados Community College ,wood working class (Division of Technology),under the guidance of Mrs Nnaka Forde, Mr.Shawn Braithwaite and Mr .Peter Worrell. They were extremely receptive when we approached them to add this project to the curriculum.

BARBADOS September 2023

PGDFF Caribbean Inc. partnered with Bridgetown International University at the "Get Healthy Barbados" Expo at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Center on September 2nd and 3rd.

The foundation promoted its mission and work in the region. A wine basket raffle and 50/50 raffle were given away in exchange for donations.

The BIU performed valuable health checks for attendees. BMI.
Glucose.
Blood Pressure .
The collaboration was a huge success.

BARBADOS JULY 2023

PGDFF Caribbean brought smiles to the children from the Marina Brewster Home at Farrs by treating them to a delightful breakfast at the Courtyard Marriott. The event was heartwarming as the organization also provided much-needed school supplies, fostering the kids' happiness and a sense of shared dreams.The children shared their dreams of becoming a lawyer,chef,teacher, hairdresser and even a body builder to name a few. It was a remarkable event of giving back.Their smiles said it all.

We are grateful to the partnership of the childcare board and local supporters who made this event successful.

BARBADOS MAY 2023

Parkinson Secondary School

At the invitation of the University of West Indies,as part of their 60th anniversary as a campus celebration, the foundation president was invited to hold an interactive session with the kids.

We discussed the topic of importance of studying ,gave the kids gift bags, and answered all their eager questions on the Prince's travels. The kids were extremely enthusiastic and engaging.
The Principal Mr.Ian Holder attended the session

Meetings with the Child Care Board and National Library Service

LOCAL AND REGIONAL TEAM

Dr.Kandamaran Krishnamurthy

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Global Pediatric Health and Relief Advisor
MBBS,DM( PEDIATRICS),FCCM,FRCPCH(UK),DAA,PGCUTL

A highly motivated medical professional guided by a passion to engage various health communities to improve pediatric health outcomes locally, regionally, and globally. He is an ICU consultant, Associate lecturer at the University of West Indies and Executive member of several prestigious medical associations. He has won awards and recognition from The American college of critical care and the Fellow of Royal College of Pediatrics and Health ( UK ).


Sushma Kini

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Regional Project Director

Sushma has thrived as an Executive Assistant, displaying a genuine passion for fostering a positive impact on the community. Her dedication to giving back to society is evident, showcasing sincere enthusiasm to create a meaningful influence within the community.

RHEA GREENIDGE

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Local Project Coordinator

Rhea has spent years in finance and client relations internationally at a high standard acquiring diverse professional skills. She is passionate about providing a positive impact in the communities we serve and is highly motivated to enact meaningful changes.


Partners

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Supporters

Barbados Community College
Harris Paints Barbados
Ace H&B Hardware
Chefette Barbados Ltd
Sign Station
Gildan