Salybia Mission Project
OUR PROJECTS
SMP has developed and supported many projects which have helped improve the quality of life of those living in the Kalinago Territory.
These programs are often collaborations with local initiatives and work to address the community-derived list of needs.
Health Education
One of the most important services that SMP members provide to the Kalinago community is their educational health fairs. Many of these have targeted specific demographic groups for a more tailored message. Beginning in 2003, the Women’s Health Initiative helped Kalinago women understand the importance of screening exams and participate in culturally sensitive sexual education discussions. A comparable Men’s Health Clinic has also been developed in the recent past, which also works to raise awareness and education about male-centered health issues. Among the most popular of all health fairs is that which targets the community’s children & youth, which happen independently or in collaboration with the RUSM Student Pediatrics Association. These couple well baby visits & gauging developmental milestones with educational sessions such as those which highlight basic hygiene practices. SMP is very proud of its health fairs & educational sessions, and continues to work with the community to help improve the health of the Kalinago people
THE CLINIC
The Clinic was built in 2002, through a parternship between Salybia Mission Project and the Kalinago Council. At the Clinic, students are able to get hands on experience working with patients under the guidance of licensed physicians. The Clinic is a huge part of Salybia and while providing the Kalinago people with access to healthcare, also provides the students with invaluable lessons in patient care.
Fenean Project
During their first trips to the Salybia Clinic, the Founders of SMP learned of a young man who, after a motor vehicle accident, had become a paraplegic. Since then, SMP has helped support Fenien Frederick with both his medical and personal needs. SMP provides him with regular medical supplies and care, including the procurement of a wheelchair and other supports that assist with his integration into society. In collaboration with other charitable organizations, SMP has also assisted Fenien in procuring his own house and providing funds to pay his water and electricity bills. SMP helps sell some of Fenean’s hand crafted items, and part of the proceeds go towards the payment of his utility bills. It is this spirit of collaboration that underpins SMP’s charitable assistance programs..
Nursing Scholarship
Since its inception, SMP envisioned that its collaboration with the Kalinago people would help create self-sustaining health care delivery systems in the community. In order help cultivate this ideal, SMP established a Nursing Scholarship which supports those of Kalinago heritage in their educational ventures at the Dominican State College Nursing Program. To date, there have been five recipients of the scholarship, two of which have also received a Midwifery Certification. Some of these graduates have returned to the Territory to service the clinic and their community. The Nursing Scholarship recipients are:
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Annette Thomas, R.N. (June 2006)
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Winnie Joseph, R.N (March 2007) & Midwifery (June 2009)
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Prisca John, (August 2009)
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Anjaie Fredrick, RN (March 2010)
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Portia Burton, RN, Midwifery (July 2011)