UNICEF supplies to benefit flood victims

The United Nation’s Children’s Fund (UNICEF) last Friday, handed over supplies to the Ministry of Education, for the benefit of students affected by the flood of December 2013.{{more}}

Khin-Sandi-Lwin, UNICEF Representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, symbolically handed over the supplies to the Minister of Education, Girlyn Miguel.

The official handing-over ceremony took place on Friday, October 17, at the conference room of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Students received school uniforms and school books/supplies according to their needs. Affected schools received computers, printers and toner. Cots, kits containing educational resources, as well as books and toys were handed over to operators of some Early Childhood Education Centres, who also received dispensers containing hand soap.

The total amount of the flood support to students and schools is EC $196,026.00.

This activity took place in recognition of the support provided by UNICEF and the Government of Canada and as a symbol of appreciation for the relief of students adversely affected by the flood of December 2013.

Meanwhile, the UNICEF office for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean provided financial support to the victims of the flood for the Return to Happiness Programme. This programme ensures that the psychosocial needs of children at the time of disaster are adequately met, so as to avert or minimize any potential trauma.

Under this programme, school counsellors were trained in addressing students’ needs. Parents of children adversely affected by the flood will be trained in meeting their children’s needs at the time of disaster, while these children will enjoy a celebration event geared at returning them to happiness after the trauma of the December flood.

The Ministry of Education has expressed the gratitude of the government and people of St Vincent and the Grenadines to the government and people of Canada and to the UNICEF office for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean.