HOME	SEPTEMBER 04th, 2004

SEPT 04

Ten months after it had begun operations in the country, one of the new mobile entrants Digicel has launched Caring Connections at a ceremony held at Bon Accord Estate in La Mode, last Wednesday.

The programme is aimed at empowering the youth of Grenada to make a difference in revitalising their communities through partnership with Digicel.

Country Manager Patricia Maher who launched the new initiative, said that the programme was bourne out of a desire to ensure their sponsorship efforts are making a lasting impact in Grenada and helping to shape its future.

She said that this programme is different because it is investing in long-term community relationships by empowering communities to help themselves. The Country Manager disclosed that community and youth will implement the project and that Digicel will spare no skill or manpower resource in offering assistance.

"We are inviting Grenadians to get on board with Digicel Caring Connections because we recognise the importance or everybody's role in shaping, developing and improving communities in Grenada" Maher pointed out.

She is appealing to volunteers to assist groups and individuals with submissions, sit on the judging panel and/or give assistance as corporate sponsors. "Caring Connections is an opportunity for us all to help revitalise our communities by working with and for our youth" she added.

Over the next two years, Digicel Caring Connections will invest over $100.000 in Grenada's ten main communities through award-funding to youth and/or community programmes which meet the criteria of sustainability, lasting positive impact, proven organisation and efficient planning.

The areas identified include Carriacou & Petite Martinique, St. Andrew's North, St. Andrew's South, St. George's North, St. George's South, St. Patrick's, St. David's, St. John's and St. Mark's.

Digicel said that all proposals must be submitted within the given deadline and should clearly describe a community project that falls within the categories of adults helping youth, youth helping youth, youth helping adults and youth and adults working together for the community.

The company said that applications will be judged by a panel of judges and that the project from each community that best meets the criteria given and show promise and sustainability will be the recipient of a seed fund of $10.000 as well as assistance with the initial implementation.

Caring Connections was also launched in two other Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) countries St. Vincent and St. Lucia where Digicel also does business.