– An opportunity for value-added service identified.

As the NGO NCC Inc’s Gender-Based Violence team wrapped up our outreach in the region, some critical information was gathered, key stakeholders engaged, and a proposed initiative was noted which can be implemented in this and other regions.

The second day of sensitization took the form first of a walk around the community of Mahdia and the entrance to Campbell’s Town interacting with the members of the community to get a further understanding of the culture and environment in relation to gender-based violence.

One villager who hails from Brazil after reading one of the four posters said

“This is a good thing and is important to have this work in the community”

The opportunity was also taken to share the message and services of the NCC and our partners. A few businesses welcomed the time and gave space on their premises to post our flyers and posters.

As the day continued a session planned by our Community Support Officer Ms. Brenda Cruz got underway with a gathering of over a dozen women who were from the migrant population. This session was another interactive session and there was an expression of gratitude for the work of Ms. Cruz from the gathering.

There was an expressed desire to be taught the English Language as part of the GBV services of the agency by the migrants gathered. The explanation given was it would make for better interaction when accessing critical services removing the biggest barrier. This idea will not only add value to the migrants but lends to improved delivery of service to the migrant community by the NCC and partners.

A set of care packages was given to the gathering which was appreciated as the team wrapped up. As a follow-up from yesterday’s interaction, a few women will have counseling sessions beginning tomorrow and as needed continued virtually, while an engagement with law enforcement which was postponed due to the funeral service of the victims of the recent tragedy which rocked the village of Mahdia, the region of Potaro-Siparuni and the country of Guyana.