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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