UWI OPEN CAMPUS ANGUILLA CONTINUES ITS COLLABORATION WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

Representatives from the Social Development Department and The UWI Open Campus at the Child Protection Act Awareness Building Session

The University of the West Indies (UWI) Open Campus Anguilla is continuing its support of the Department of Social Development. As part of the March activities in celebration of International Women’s Day and Social Work Month 2022, for the second consecutive year, The UWI Open Campus Anguilla partnered with the Anglican Church Women Association (ACWA) to collect funds in support of the Department’s Foster/Alternative Care Programme.
Attendees at the International Women’s Day service on March 8th contributed EC$2,010.31 towards the fund. The donation was handed over to the Commissioner of Social Development, Ms. Lauraine Gumbs, by Manager for the UWI Open Campus British Overseas Territories, Dr. Phyllis Fleming-Banks, and President of ACWA, Mrs. Celestine John, on Wednesday, March 23, 2022.
The UWI Open Campus Anguilla also facilitated an awareness-building forum on the Anguilla Child Protection Act on March 17, 2022, at the Auditorium of the Orealia Kelly Primary School. Mrs. Angelina Carty, and other members of the Family and Social Services Unit, provided a comprehensive overview of the Act and fielded questions from those in attendance, as well as those viewing via live stream.

Expressing her appreciation, Commissioner Lauraine Gumbs said the Department

Attendees at the Child Protection Act Awareness Building Session

Mrs. Celestine John and Dr. Phyllis Fleming-Banks handing over Cheque to Commissioner Lauraine Gumbs

was grateful for the continued collaboration and support being provided by The UWI Open Campus Anguilla. “Section 5 of the Child Protection Act 2019, stipulates that all children are entitled to basic conditions such as food, shelter, clothing, care and protection, education, play and leisure as is necessary for their development. If these conditions cannot be provided in their homes, foster care is then utilised. The purpose of foster care is to provide a planned, temporary alternative placement for children who cannot be cared for in their home setting. Over the years the programme has become increasingly vital and these donations ensure that these needs are met.”
The UWI Open Campus Anguilla is encouraging persons in the community and the diaspora to make contributions to the Foster/Alternative Care Programme and other programmes at the Department of Social Development. The Department can be reached by telephone at 264-497-2317.