Who We Are
We are a unique community organization providing life changing programmes for children and adolescents.
Based in Spanish Town, Jamaica, Children First is Jamaica’s largest programme of this type, offering social, educational and training programmes for youngsters in the 10-24 age group while empowering their parents and guardians to overcome poverty and enhance daily life through successful skills training and small business projects.
Children First has been recognized at home and abroad for its creative, participatory approach, which ensures its young clients full involvement including decision-making at the Board of Directors level.
Our Mission
The Mission of Children First is to work with street, working and vulnerable children, to improve their life opportunities and enable their contribution to society, through active engagement with children and young people, their families, communities and institutions which affect their lives.
Our Vision
A Jamaica in which children are active participants in a country which respects, protects, and fulfils their rights to develop to their full potential, free from abuse and neglect.
Funded & Supported by:
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Our Programs & Projects
MEET THE TEAM
Claudette Richardson-Pious
Executive Director
Mrs. Claudette Richardson-Pious, visionary and pioneer has been guiding and implementing programmes for some of Jamaica's most vulnerable, over the last 23 years. Her work and training has equipped her with the skills to deliver in multifarious capacities as master trainer and counsellor, child rights and HIV/AIDS activist, and a cultural approaches consultant. Mrs. Pious’ has earned a BSc. of Arts in Mass Communication and a MSc. in Social Work. Notably, she is a recipient of the Anthony N Sabga Caribbean Awards for Excellence for public and civic contributions.
Dillion Ricketts
Outreach Coordinator
The Outreach Coordinator oversees the planning and implementation of various outreach prevention
strategies and activities. These can be characterised by peer-to-peer counselling and information sharing
centred around Adolescent and Sexual Reproductive Health issues with emphasis on HIV and STIs. These services are carried out by the Bashy Bus Kru team members, which consists of trained Peer Educators/ Outreach Workers, who operate both in the traditional outreach and online space. These services are carried out primarily on our roving mobile reproductive health unit called the Bashy Bus. Bashy Bus Kru members are also instrumental in conducting empowerment and capacity building sessions which take the form of edutainment - education through the performing arts - as well as life-skills sessions.
Walisa Ward
Case Manager
The Case Manager’s role is to provide effective leadership and guidance to the Linkage to Care, Treatment and Support Department. This section consists of a coordinated multidimensional and multidisciplinary team that provides a holistic approach in aiding at risk clients (which include persons living with HIV). The support is provided through the Agency’s services which are designed to empower, motivate and create positive and dynamic change in the lives of our clientele. Furthermore, clients are given the appropriate tools to aid in developing their coping skills and encourage healthy decision making practises.
Jovane Blagrove
Monitoring, Evaluating and Quality Assurance Officer
Mr. Blagrove heads the Data Operations Unit of Children First Agency. This segment is deemed the nucleus of the BBK HQ location in Kingston, as it is responsible for the objective and on-going assessment of the Agency’s services. This includes comprehensive reviews, monitoring and evaluation of the various projects, grants and programmes against intended objectives and goals. Additionally, the Unit collects and analyzes data to provide guiding information to inform the various projects and interventions, generates various external reports, as well as perform quality assurance processes to ensure that the Agency is providing optimal services and products to clients.
Gassett Miles
Skills Instructor
A proud graduate of the Agency, Mr. Miles is presently one of the skills instructors, particularly for
barbering and hair styling. He has been giving back in this role of training youngsters and finding job
placement for participants/learners for approximately 13 years. Mr. Miles is primarily based at the Agency’s Youth Wellness Centre (YWC) at Adelaide Street in Spanish Town. The YWC provides HEART certified courses taught by trained facilitators. By extension, the YWC also offers assessments and counselling sessions as well as referral services to partnering agencies for clients to maximize on other opportunities.
Samantha McGrath
Finance Officer
Mrs. McGrath is the Finance Officer in the Agency’s Administrative Office, located at 9 Monk Street in Spanish Town, St. Catherine.