Lauding the Joan Duncan Foundation’s ‘steadfast support’

THE EDITOR, Madam:

This morning, I felt compelled to publicly express my deep appreciation to the Joan Duncan Foundation of JMMB for its quiet yet unwavering commitment to the Child Resiliency Programme (CRP), administered by the Violence Prevention Alliance (VPA) for nearly 15 years.

What began as a modest contribution to the Hope United Church, where the CRP was born in 2006, has grown into sustained, substantial support to children at risk for violence and in need of psychosocial support. The foundation currently serves as the main donor to 85 children per year who are referred to the CRP from St Alban’s, St Annie’s, Edward Seaga, Boys’ Town, Trench Town, Jones Town, and Mountain View Primary and Infant schools.

Beyond this, the foundation has extended its generosity to support the launch and innovative work of the Peace Institute of the International University of the Caribbean (IUC) which currently trains over 100 Psychology and Education University students and frontline workers annually online. These persons learn the CRP Model and vital tools for Building their own Peace, Resiliency and Wellness as they care for children affected by Trauma or Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

DONOR ENGAGEMENT

Having worked in the non-profit sector for 18 years, I have witnessed many forms of donor engagement. Some donors seek excessive publicity, diverting focus from the children and members of staff. Others impose burdensome reporting requirements or delay payments, straining programme delivery. Still others micromanage or dictate community priorities without sufficient consultation.

The Joan Duncan Foundation, in stark contrast, has fostered freedom, creativity, innovation and quality implementation built in an environment of trust. Their partnership approach has been grounded in reasonableness, respect, and consistency.

Their steadfast support has been nothing short of transformative. It has been the cornerstone in providing essential psychosocial support to thousands of children in violence-prone communities deemed “at promise”, while also strengthening the capacity of frontline workers who care for them.

On reflecting of a time where genuine, long-term partnerships are rare, the Joan Duncan Foundation’s quiet faithfulness deserves public recognition. I am grateful for the opportunity to finally say thank you for their vision, trust, and enduring investment in Jamaica’s children and communities.

DR KIM SCOTT

Child Resiliency Programme

Director