OUR IMPACT
Since 1984, the SDF has provided over $2.1 billion in loans and grants to address the region’s poverty and social development challenges.
Over the past 10 years, the SDF has trained and certified almost 8,850 teachers across the Caribbean.
Approximately $106.4 million in SDF loans was committed to support CDB’s Borrowing Member Countries with COVID-19 response.
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION FACILITY PROJECT Constriction of Early Childhood Centre of Excellence (ECCE)
LOCATION:
University of Guyana, Region #4, Guyana
Between 2013-2022, over 94,000 households benefitted from improved access to water and sanitation services thanks to the SDF.
SDF IMPACT STORIES
In Guyana, the SDF has facilitated a range of initiatives, addressing critical needs from infrastructure and education to climate resilience, community development and poverty. Together, these efforts contribute to national advancement and the prosperity of Guyanese communities, demonstrating the SDF's dedication to promoting progress and reducing vulnerabilities within the Caribbean. Let's examine four of these impactful projects in detail.
INVESTMENT: US$665,000
IMPLEMENTING ENTITY: BNTF Implementing Agency
Addressing the gap in practical and demonstrative exposure for Early Childhood Development received by students and lecturers at the University of Guyana, the SDF facilitated the construction of an Early Childhood Centre of Excellence at the University. Previously, students relied on Municipal Day Care Services for practical training, which did not meet the standards set by Guyana’s Childcare and Development Services Act of 2016.
The new facility spans approximately 708 square meters, offering specialised classrooms for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and nursery school children. The Centre also has a dedicated space for children with special education needs (SEN) and integrates SEN students into broader programmes. The two-story building includes a conference room, observation room, sleeping area, offices, sanitary facilities, a kitchenette, laundry room, and spaces for research and development in early childhood education. Furniture and outdoor equipment were provided by UNICEF. Other collaborators and supporters include the University of Guyana, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Finance, International Association of Laboratory Schools, University of the West Indies, Mona and Syracuse University.
Implemented over 18 months, the project now benefits 129 children up to five years old, 38 of whom are SEN students. Research and knowledge-gathering from the Centre is already significantly informing Early Childhood Development practice and policy in Guyana.
www.caribank.org
SPECIAL DEVELOPMENT FUND Our Chance To Transform Lives
THE MON REPOS PROCESSING AND PACKAGING FACILITY PROJECT Processing and Packaging Facility Construction & Training Programme
LOCATION:
Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara, INVESTMENT: US$665,000
The Mon Repos Processing and Packaging Facility project is actively enhancing the agro-processing capabilities of small farmers in Guyana. The intervention involved the construction of a modern agro-processing and packaging facility and the training and capacity-building for over 90 rural farmers.
SEA & RIVER DEFENCE RESILIENCE PROJECT
The facility aims to address the challenge of food spoilage and wastage exacerbated by climate change and fluctuating market demands. In 2016, approximately 30% of local fruits and vegetables in the country were lost before reaching consumers, adversely impacting farmers' income and livelihoods.
Key project activities included design and construction of the building, supply and installation of equipment for continuous production lines of passion fruit, pepper pulp, and herbal tea, and extensive training for beneficiaries in good agricultural practices and post-harvest loss mitigation.
This investment in infrastructure and human capital is anticipated to increase incomes, food security, and sustainable livelihood development, along with expanding the export potential of small-scale farmers. It will benefit the communities of Ithaca, Buxton/Friendship, Beterverwagting/Triumph, and Mocha.
This initiative is impacting several areas of focus for CDB including sustainable development, climate change resilience, capacity building, and poverty reduction. The project's success is a testimony to the power of partnerships as outcomes were achieved through collaboration between the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute, CDB and the Guyana School of Agriculture.
Strengthening coastal and riverine infrastructures is crucial for safeguarding vulnerable communities and essential economic sectors from the impacts of climate change and natural disasters. Lot 2 of the Sea and River Defence Resilience Project allowed for the reconstruction of coastal flood defence structures along the communities of Crane, Harlem, Rotterdam, and Mary on the West Coast Demerara shoreline, where over 4,000 persons reside.
Lot 2 of the project addressed the need for climate-resilient infrastructure to reduce flood risks to residential areas, agricultural lands, and crucial public and private infrastructure. Lot 2 involves the construction of 1.2 km long rock armour revetment structures. These structures are designed to absorb the energy from waves and provide stability in areas with soft underlying clay. As a result, the communities benefitted from enhanced resilience against coastal flooding and the protection of infrastructure related to the country’s Gas-to-Energy project.
SPECIAL DEVELOPMENT FUND Our Chance To Transform Lives www.caribank.org
GUYANA
SKILLS DEVELOPMENT & EMPLOYABILITY PROJECT
Expansion & Rehabilitation of the Fellowship Practical Instruction Centre
LOCATION:
Fellowship, West Coast Demerara, Region #3,
INVESTMENT: US$1,236,811
The Guyana Skills Development & Employability Project was designed to enhance the technical and vocational education and training (TVET) environment of the Fellowship Practical Instruction Centre to address unemployability of a population of 400 students.
To achieve this, the project involved the construction of a Learning Resource Centre, with specialised workshops, a sanitary block, including changing rooms, and the rehabilitation of existing facilities. New tools and equipment were provided for each workshop, and the institution's security was bolstered with the installation of a new perimeter fence. The project scope also included the addition of a parking area, and an upgrade of existing sanitation facilities, including provisions for persons with disabilities.
Through the Ministry of Education, the Government of Guyana, is now able to offer Caribbean Vocational Qualifications Level 1 programmes at the Centre in Commercial Food Preparation, Masonry, and Plumbing. The additions expanded the curriculum which previously comprised Furniture Making and Electrical Installation.
Overall, the enhancements are benefiting students, some of whom are early school leavers, principals, teachers, workshop assistants and members of surrounding communities. The upgrades have created a more conducive learning environment and are directly addressing the issue of expanding the supply of skilled and employable labour with regionally acceptable certification by equipping students with relevant skills for the workforce. The Centre will eventually offer evening programmes as part of lifelong learning initiative, ensuring broader access to demand-driven TVET and taking a substantial step towards reducing unemployment in the region.
