UNDP SGP supports Stakeholders Forum on Child Care Solutions

Mr. Edo Stork- Resident Representative (a.i.) UNDP addresses forum

September 2010: The Association of Female Executives of Trinidad and Tobago (AFETT) held a stakeholders forum to discuss Child Care Solutions for Trinidad and Tobago on 01 Wednesday September 2010.  This initiative which is being funded by the UNDP Small Grants programme seeks to craft solutions to challenges experienced by working parents in sourcing adequate child care while they are at work.

Thirty-two (32) participants representing the private sector, public sector and civil society attended the forum.  Agencies represented included the Gender Affairs Division, the University of the West Indies, Republic Bank, Scotia Bank, Families in Action, the Rose Foundation, bpTT, Ministry of the People and Social Development, and the Network of NGOs.  Many of these participants were themselves seeking ideas to develop childcare facilities for their employees since they recognized the challenge experienced by parents and the impact on productivity levels. 

Discussions focused on a Draft White Paper on Child Care Solutions which was prepared by AFETT.  Participants actively discussed the White Paper and made recommendations for its completion.  In addition participants made recommendations to improve the draft White Paper and pledged to consult with specific communities to collect more perspectives on child care needs to inform the completion of the White Paper. 

On completion, the White paper will be presented to stakeholders including the government and the private sector to facilitate a nationwide study to develop and a policy for Childcare in Trinidad and Tobago.