Peter Goldson (left), a partner in the law firm Myers, Fletcher and Gordon, shares a joke with Deika Morrison (centre), Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance, and Lieutenant Commander John McFarlane, executive director of the Environmental Foundation of Jamaica. - Norman Grindley /Staff Photographer A RECORD number of grant funds for children's projects were handed over to non-governmental organisations (NGOs) by the Environmental Foundation of Jamaica (EFJ) in a ceremony at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, New Kingston yesterday.
The foundation, which is also celebrating its 10th anniversary, disbursed a total of 54 grants valued at a $200 million. Thirty-six of the grants target children's programmes, which received more than $150 million.
Deika Morrison, Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance of Planning, who spoke at yesterday's function, noted that there were numerous problems faced by children.
"In Jamaica, we all know the realities for our children even if we may not want to face it. Violence and conflict in our homes, schools and communities; physical, emotional and sexual abuse and neglect are rampant across all strata of society... the challenges facing our nation's children are several and varied," she said.
COMMITTED TO SOLUTIONS
Ms. Morrison acknowledged that the problems will not be solved overnight but said: "We can all make a real change and shift into a new gear, develop a new paradigm, chart a new course, walk a nobler path. But we must do so together."
Ms. Morrison, who is also a Government Senator, said the recently passed Child Care and Protection Act was a step towards achieving a protective environment for children.
The EFJ was created in 1991, under the Enterprise of the Americas initiative by an agreement signed by the Jamaican and United States governments. The foundation was officially established in 1993 when it was passed into Jamaican law and later that year began operations.
It is aimed at providing financial support for civic organisations seeking to contribute to the environment and child welfare and development issues. Up to last year the EFJ had disbursed $492 million in 558 grants.
Jeanne Robinson, chair of the EFJ and child survival director welcomed the new programmes, which she said provided a new dimension to addressing social problems.
"Philanthropy plays many different roles in our society, but its central value is the extra dimension it provides for seeing and doing things differently," she said.
