Irie Kids Inc.

As well as one-to-one coaching, after-school tutoring, and as-needed projects like school refurbishments, Irie Kids Inc. has three permanent programs that run throughout the year: We have three vital programs that operate throughout the year. 1. Our Pet Care Program is offered to children ages 6- up, the curriculum goal is to encourage empathy towards all living creatures in an effort to help stop the widespread problem of animal abuse and neglect on the island. This is a week long program that runs during school vacation. The program has been active since 2018. 2. Peanut Butter Pantry is our answer to the overwhelming requests we have been receiving for food assistance since the start of the COVID pandemic. The pantry serves families with young children in need of assistance. Food parcels, clothing and shoes are distributed weekly, Monday-Friday. 3. First Period Preparedness Program is a celebration of womanhood for young girls. The program is offered in schools across the island to Form 1 students. We target underserved children and their families on the island of Saint Lucia. The population we serve are often single parent households without electricity, plumbing facilities or employment opportunities. The children we work with suffer malnutrition, physical abuse and live under the poverty line. Our programs are often the only resources available to these communities in this developing country. Form 1 students are invited to attend a Tea Party For Teens! The program is a celebration of womanhood for young girls in anticipation of their first menstruation cycle. Our certified instructor starts off with an introduction to the program, followed by questions and answers with the students, period preparedness kits are distributed to each of the participants, followed by a short explanation of the products found inside of the kit. At the end of the program, students are treated to a tea party consisting of sandwiches, pastries, tea and fruit punch. The program takes approximately 90 minutes. Menstruation is not something often discussed within families in Saint Lucia because of cultural, social and economic reasons. Young women often find themselves in frightening and embarrassing situations when experiencing their first period, especially when it occurs at school. Our period program will educate and provide supplies so that the first period experience is less frightening and easier to navigate through.