Running from November 01, 2023, to March 31, 2024, the six-month initiative aims to address crime and violence by tackling persistent risk factors and reinforcing community family structures.
As part of the broader Crime and Violence Interruption Programme (CVIP), the Ministry of Equity, Social Justice, and Empowerment has introduced a comprehensive Parenting Coaching Campaign. This campaign, serving as the third sub-component, is designed to reduce crime, violence, and enhance the nation’s family support system.
Emphasizing the significance of parental involvement in child development and trauma resolution, Kendall Elva, Acting Deputy Director for the Community Services Unit, highlighted the critical role parents play in ensuring the holistic development of children. Elva stated, “Our goal is to empower parents with the necessary skills to guide their children effectively, ultimately decreasing crime and violence in Saint Lucia.”
Addressing the impact of parental trauma on parent-child relationships and promoting effective communication, Antonia Rene-Marius, Social Transformation Officer for Castries South-East, underscored the workshop’s focus. Rene-Marius mentioned, “Our workshop aims to manage past traumas, improve parent-child relationships, and enhance communication between parents and children to create healthier and stronger households.”
Focusing on nurturing competent and confident children, Lyncia Antione, Social Transformation Officer for Anse La Raye and Canaries, highlighted the program’s objective. Antione expressed, “We are dedicated to unlocking each child’s potential for competence and confidence by providing parents with essential tools to nurture their children positively. We emphasize the importance of personal growth, resilience, and encouraging children to believe in their abilities.”
Sharing her positive experience with the Positive Parenting Programme workshop, Jeannie Edward commended the transformative impact of the program. Edward mentioned, “Participating in the Positive Parenting Programme workshop has been truly transformative. The workshop’s emphasis on childhood trauma management has equipped us with practical strategies to support our children through emotional challenges.”
Covering a wide array of topics such as gender issues, family dynamics, fatherhood, child trauma and development, substance abuse, stress management, character building, financial management, and disciplinary methods, the program aims to provide comprehensive support to parents.
Operational in 11 communities across the island, the parenting initiative collaborates with local schools and Parent Teacher Associations to offer a five-week training program. This program, catering to parents from vulnerable backgrounds, delivers two hours of weekly instruction on positive parenting techniques, fostering a nurturing and supportive parenting approach.