CAD$44,000 To Support Vulnerable Boys In Saint Lucia

Launched in September 2023, the Local Engagement and Action Fund (LEAF) is a new Government of Canada local development grant mechanism for Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Following an open call for proposals, the St. Lucia Social Development Fund was selected to receive grant funding totaling CAD$44,775 for the ‘Our Boys Matter’ project. This is the first LEAF grant in Saint Lucia. During a ceremony held on Thursday, January 25, at the Coco Palm Resort in Rodney Bay, the High Commission of Canada’s Head of Cooperation for the Eastern Caribbean Abebech Assefa and Executive Director of the St. Lucia Social Development Fund John Victorin officially signed the LEAF contribution agreement. Speaking at the event, Head of Cooperation Abebech Assefa emphasized Canada’s continued commitment to the Eastern Caribbean, sharing “the Government of Canada believes in the strength of local interventions to address community needs. Local organizations play a crucial role in identifying priority issues and proposing solutions. We look forward to seeing the results of the ‘Our Boys Matter’ project and the lessons learned that can benefit other communities and countries.”  Dr. Charmaine Hippolyte Emmanuel, Permanent Secretary (Ag.) from the Ministry of Equity, Social Justice and...