The Ministry of People Empowerment’s One Family initiative commemorated a year of substantial achievements in supporting vulnerable households across Barbados with a festive gathering for approximately 900 children at Deighton Griffith Secondary School on Friday. The celebratory event, made possible through corporate and service organization donations, created a vibrant atmosphere featuring jumping tents, artistic face painting, and diverse recreational activities specifically designed for children aged four to twelve within the program.
Nicole Daniel, Social Development Project Manager for the One Family Programme, emphasized the dual purpose of the event: to bring joyful experiences and foster community cohesion among participants while acknowledging the invaluable contributions of corporate and community partners. “We are thrilled to host our One Family Christmas Cheer event, providing a day of celebration for all our children,” Daniel stated. “The generous support from JetBlue for Good has been instrumental in creating these wonderful experiences.”
The program’s comprehensive approach rests upon seven foundational pillars: health services, educational support, family dynamics, employment opportunities, income security, social benefits, and housing assistance. Throughout the past year, the initiative has implemented multiple projects across these domains, achieving significant impact in supporting at-risk families island-wide.
Recent innovations include the launch of gender-specific mentorship programs targeting adolescents. “Our ‘Becoming Her’ initiative serves girls aged 11-13, while ‘Mentor Him’ provides guidance for young boys,” Daniel explained. Additionally, the program has reinstated counseling services and housing assistance through collaborations with the Rural and Urban Development Commission.
Employment facilitation represents another critical achievement, with partnerships established with prominent private sector entities including Abeds and Wyndham. “We provide comprehensive education, training, and skill development opportunities that ultimately empower individuals to achieve self-sufficiency,” Daniel noted, highlighting the program’s core philosophy of fostering independence.
Looking toward 2026, the program plans to expand its entrepreneurship initiatives following the successful completion of an incubator program that culminated in a Shark Tank-style pitch event last Saturday. “We’re seeking business experts and investors to join our new cohort, providing both financial sponsorship and mentorship expertise,” Daniel revealed.
The program director extended gratitude to several key supporters including Sandy Lane Charitable Trust, Brian’s Bakery, and the Barbados Public Workers’ Cooperative Credit Union Limited for their sustained contributions to the initiative’s success.