The A.C.T.I.O.N Plan: A Success Story in the Nevis Island Assembly

Minister of Gender Affairs Highlights Programme’s Impact

During the 2024 Budget Debates in the Nevis Island Assembly, Senator the Honourable Jahnel Nisbett, Minister of Gender Affairs, underscored the importance of the A.C.T.I.O.N Plan to the Ministry’s overarching vision.

Daycare Voucher Assistance Programme (A.C.T.I.O.N Plan) Update

“We implemented the Daycare Voucher Assistance Programme (A.C.T.I.O.N Plan) in 2023, and I’m happy to report that this programme is still active throughout 2024. We are looking forward to 2025 because this programme supports working families, particularly women, by providing access to affordable and quality childcare in those early critical stages,” Minister Nisbett said.

Programme Success

Currently, we have 38 parents benefiting from this programme, and our first cohort of ten children has already transitioned off the programme into preschool.

Feedback from Parents

The Department of Gender Affairs solicited feedback from parents enrolled in the programme. Here is what some of them had to say:

· Sydia: “Very helpful. Helps a long way.”
· Vidya: “The programme is very helpful to me. It was really hard paying, since I don’t get paid enough and the nursery raised their fees, so this help gives me a break and less worries.”
· Bertille: “Good! Easier for me, no complaints. The process is easy. Can give the government a thumbs up. I appreciate the great help.”
· Azalea: “Helpful. The process of collection is easy. No worries at all with receiving vouchers. Takes away the financial strain.”
· Anonymous: “It has been a tremendous financial help for me.”

Minister’s Conclusion

The Minister said, “These are real live people and real live impact. This is what we mean when we say people-focused. For 2024 the Ministry spent $116,000 on the A.C.T.I.O.N Plan and it is $116,000 well spent. I don’t think anyone can argue the value of this programme.”

Dual Impact of the Programme

Minister Nisbett emphasized the programme’s dual impact, stating that by providing vouchers of up to $300 per month for parents to pay childcare service costs, the government is not only enabling parents to pursue employment or education but also supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs in the daycare and nursery sector.

Conclusion

The A.C.T.I.O.N Plan is a testament to the Ministry’s commitment to supporting working families and small businesses. The programme’s success is evident in the positive feedback from parents and the significant impact it has had on their lives.

FAQs

What is the A.C.T.I.O.N Plan?

The A.C.T.I.O.N Plan is a Daycare Voucher Assistance Programme that provides vouchers of up to $300 per month for parents to pay childcare service costs.

What is the goal of the programme?

The goal of the programme is to support working families, particularly women, by providing access to affordable and quality childcare in those early critical stages.