Julie Nurse, Specialist Department of Social Development and Employment Organization of American States Report on Puente in the Caribbean Phase I Puente in the Caribbean Program Phase II Introductory Workshop Castries, St. Lucia May , 2009

Outline Background to the program Pilot approach Design considerations Program implementation Strategies employed Main activities and emerging lessons Evaluation Results Conclusions Considerations in applying the lessons General Lessons for Phase II

Background

Implications of a Pilot Program Learning by doing A continual process of reflection and programmatic adjustment Ongoing documentation of the processes Lessons applied for future programming

Design Considerations Differences between Chile and the Caribbean countries Cultural and linguistic differences Differences in size and scale Vulnerability issues: crime, migration, natural disasters Differences among the Caribbean countries Development needs Institutional realities Distinction between the transfer and the application of the lessons from the transfer

Comparative Country Profiles CountryPopulationArea (sq. km) Development Indicators GDP Per Capita (USD) Ethnic Groups Jamaica2, 682, 00010, 991HDI: HDI Rank: #101 Human Poverty Index: 14.3% 4,291Black: 90.9% E. Indian: 1.3% Mixed: 7.3% White: 0.2% Chinese: 0.2% Other: 0.1% Trinidad & Tobago 1, 324, HDI: HDI Rank: #59 Human Poverty Index: 7.3% 14,603E. Indian: 40% Black: 37.5% Mixed: 20.5% Other: 1.2% Unspecified: 0.8% St. Lucia164, HDI:0.795 HDI Rank: #72 Human Poverty Index: 6.5% 6,707Black: 90% Mixed: 6% E. Indian: 3% White: 1% Chile16.2 million756, 950HDI Rank: #40 Human Poverty Index : 3.7% 12, 027White & white- Amerindian: 95% Amerindian: 3% Other: 2%

Program Implementation

Strategies employed OAS Role as Facilitator Bridge between FOSIS (Chile) and the Caribbean partners A rich history and effective experience in horizontal cooperation Follow-up support and monitoring Mentoring by FOSIS Tutors Bridge between the Puente Program and Caribbean participants Technical advice in the transfer of lessons and design of local programs Virtual Connectivity Creating a multiplier effect through the selection of a small group of key individuals from Caribbean implementing agencies Country Work Plans

Activities and Emerging Lessons ActivityEmerging Lessons Planning meetingsOne size does not fit all! Program Launching and Introductory Workshop Puente was not built in a day! Internship in ChileEffective psychosocial support is critical to addressing the specific need of the families and improving the quality of life. Caribbean Monitoring VisitsA well-designed communication strategy can promote local buy-in, inter-agency collaboration and institutional commitment. Evaluation Workshop and Caribbean Conference Each country has to develop its own program according to its peculiar reality, resources and challenges.

Evaluation Results

Achievements Strengthened institutional and human capacity in more effective social protection strategies: Targeting Inter-institutional collaboration in social protection and establishment of social networks Family-oriented, rights based approach Creation or enhancement of 3 local programs which have integrated lessons of Puente while reflecting distinct country needs: Bridge Jamaica Koudemain Ste. Lucie STEP-UP Political endorsement of local programs Development of a replicable model of a community of practice

Strengths Mentorship Interactive and dynamic learning methodology Promotion of cultural awareness and appreciation Encourages innovation Promotes interaction and exchange in social protection among Caribbean countries Capacity building in virtual connectivity

Shortcomings and Challenges Language differences Limited use and functioning of the Virtual Forum Need to explore opportunities for broadening and deepening academic involvement Delays in production and distribution of educational tools and materials for family interventions Need to assign human resources for implementation of work plans; multiple portfolios of local staff can be burdensome. Limited timeframe for learning and applying lessons Difficulty in creating the multiplier effect through training of trainers because of turnover of trained personnel.

Conclusions

Considerations in the Application of Lessons What are the requirements and implications of a shift from demand-driven to supply-side approach e.g. supply and quality of public goods and services? Finding appropriate strategies to address specific problems of rural and urban poverty The adequacy of current local government structures to support a decentralized approach to social development Transferability and applicability of current Puente Pillars…need for Caribbean-specific pillars The effectiveness of a family-based approach to community-based, or national problems: e.g., unemployment, natural disasters, squatting; crime? Implementing agencies are responsible for identifying and allocating financial resources for program execution Local partners should be identified and involved from inception

General Lessons of the Program The success of a program such as the Puente, requires strong political will and support. A pilot initiative with very real implications for the countries involved: stakeholders, budget, human resources, institutional demands. The need to allow local programs to evolve based on local reality and needs and encourage innovation The importance of an effective monitoring and evaluation system from the design stage of the program There is value added in fostering collaboration, support and sharing among Caribbean countries The Puente cannot and should not be transferred in its totality. It is important to identify the key and critical components of the Puente that can and should be applied to the Caribbean context. Continuous learning, reflection and revision of country work plans

Trinidad and Tobago’s Team meets with Family Intervention Unit and Mayor of Molina Another satisfied Puente FamilyLaunching in Jamaica Young member of graduated family shows off her achievements FOSIS team meets St. Lucia Social Network FOSIS tutor shares the Puente board game with Jamaican social workers