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PHILIPSBURG--Four non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have received small grants, up to NAf. 5,000, for special, social projects from Samenwerkende Fondsen.
Receiving the funds are Council of Cultural and Artistic Expressions (COCAAE) Drums, No Kidding with our Kids Foundation, St. Maarten Alliance for Equality (SAFE) and the Turning Point Foundation.
Urmay Dormoy of COCAAE said the funds give his drum group the "outlet" to do the job with his kids.
Merlyn Schaminee of No Kidding with Our Kids Foundation said the money will be used to replace the foundation's stove and fridge. This equipment is needed to provide warm lunches for some 90 children in the afternoon-school programme in Sucker Garden.
Nadjeska Gumbs of SAFE said the organisation that focuses on the lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender (LGBT) community will now be able to carry out an initial assessment to determine where St. Maarten stands related to LGBT issues and how further programmes need to be developed.
Executive Director of Turning Point Foundation Vernon Illidge said the funds will be used for two new computers and educational software. These will be used for educational programmes for clients, who often have dropped out of school.
Samenwerkende Fondsen presented funds to 14 social organisations this year.
