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  • 11 months ago

The Extraordinary Projects Impacting Communities (EPIC) programme, under the Digicel Foundation, is in its eight year running.
This year, the grant funding has increased through another partnership with energy giant Shell.
Ten Non-Governmental Organisations are the EPIC 2024-2025 beneficiaries.
Alicia Boucher has the highlights.
Transcript
00:00The Digicel Foundation states that from inception to now, the Extraordinary Projects Impacting
00:06Communities, or EPIC, program has been responsible for 150 funded projects representing a $7.2
00:14million investment, with 88,000 people across communities benefiting from the initiative.
00:20Playpark refurbishment, the creation of computer labs, spaces that are youth-friendly, and
00:26a community gym formed part of the earlier projects. Energy giant Shell came on board
00:32in 2023, enabling the total grant funding to move to the tune of $1 million. It supported
00:4010 non-governmental organizations with a focus on agriculture, the environment, and renewable
00:46energy. Some of the initiatives in 2023 included blue crab farming in Tobago, rabbit farming
00:52under the Feed to Fork project, and a solar-powered whaler bird system by the Caribbean Agricultural
00:58Research and Development Institute. Shell is back on the EPIC project this year. Chairman
01:11of the Digicel Foundation, Sasha Thompson, highlights the impact for EPIC 2024-2025.
01:18Thank you very much, Shell. With your support, we'll be providing funding of up to $150,000
01:25for 10 projects that address the critical social, economic, and environmental challenges,
01:32with a particular emphasis on sustainability. 110 applications were submitted this year
01:40in various categories, including technology, education, and the previous categories, among
01:45others. So, following training provided by the foundation, 15 finalists were shortlisted
01:51and pitched their projects, of which 10 were chosen. Social performance and investment
01:57advisor of Shell, Risa Brathwaite, says the collaboration is one towards creating a connected
02:03journey to unstoppable change, and she has a message for the awardees of the grants.
02:09Your work, your projects are proof of what is possible when passion meets purpose. As
02:16we celebrate your accomplishments today, know that you're inspiring others to rise to the
02:22challenge of making a difference. This year, the awardees include the Living Waters Community,
02:29Coach Shamrock Centre for Socially Displaced, three groups in education, and two groups
02:35in environment. The grants this year are between $100,000 and $150,000 each, with total
02:43funding just above $1.3 million. Alicia Boucher, TV6 News.
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