Participants of the Koudmen Sent Lisi programme are speaking out about the positive impact the initiative has had on their lives, describing it as a transformative opportunity that has helped them build skills, improve their livelihoods, and create a path toward greater financial independence.
Koudmen Sent Lisi, spearheaded by the Saint Lucia Social Development Fund (SSDF), is designed to empower and uplift some of the island’s most vulnerable families by providing training, resources, and support in areas such as agriculture and small business development.
Choiseul resident Kerina Isembert, who is part of the programme’s farming component, says the support she received has made a significant difference in her journey as a farmer.
“It is a pleasure being part of the Koudmen Sent Lisi programme. They helped me in so many ways by providing seedlings and other farming necessities. Most of all, I have enjoyed and benefitted significantly from the training provided,” Isembert said. “When the case workers do their site visits to my farm, they can see first-hand what is happening and how the crops are growing. I was also able to become part of Helen’s Daughters, which will assist me more significantly in my farming.”
Vieux Fort residents Joanna and Imran Jules also praised the programme, highlighting the practical support and ongoing guidance they received.
“My experience has been a very good one. They’ve been helping us with our production and supplying us with different equipment,” the couple explained. “The best part was the site visits. The officers came to our farm to encourage us and give us insights on how to take care of the crops. They also supplied seedlings, financial support, and advice on how to manage everything. We enjoyed everything about the project.”
Executive Director of the SSDF, Mr. John Victorin, says the programme plays a critical role in helping vulnerable individuals transition toward greater self-reliance.
“The Koudmen Sent Lisi programme is designed to empower individuals and improve their quality of life by providing the tools, training, and support needed to build sustainable livelihoods,” Victorin stated. “Our goal is to help participants move toward independence and create lasting economic opportunities for themselves and their families.”
Beneficiaries of the programme are selected from the Public Assistance Programme (PAP), under the Ministry of Equity, Labour, Gender and Elderly Affairs, Social Justice and Consumer Welfare, with a focus on poverty alleviation, capacity building, and long-term economic empowerment.
Through initiatives like Koudmen Sent Lisi, the SSDF continues to support vulnerable communities, providing participants with the resources and confidence needed to improve their circumstances and contribute meaningfully to Saint Lucia’s development.
