The International Organization for Migration (IOM) Dominica, in collaboration with the Department of Social Services, recently hosted a transformative three-day training focused on improving social protection services for both local and migrant communities. Led by Dr. Schuyler Esprit of the Create Caribbean Research Institute, the training aimed to develop standardized operating procedures (SOPs) to streamline service delivery and enhance the overall well-being of vulnerable populations.
The training was informed by a comprehensive study conducted by Dr. Esprit’s team, which assessed the current state of social services in Dominica. The research identified key gaps and challenges, providing valuable insights to inform the development of effective SOPs.
“Research tells a story, and this training is about using that story to empower participants to take ownership of the process,” said Dr. Esprit. “By understanding the findings and working collaboratively, we can create policies and procedures that lead to tangible improvements.”
The training sessions were highly interactive, with participants actively engaged in discussions and group activities. The use of practical templates and real-world examples helped participants to develop SOPs tailored to their specific needs.
Vynliz Dailey, Project Coordinator for IOM Dominica, emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts: “Seeing this collaboration unfold is inspiring, and it highlights the importance of teamwork in achieving shared goals.”
Representatives from various units under the department participated in the training, including Glenora Pacquette, Coordinator of Social Welfare Services, and Keisha Polydore, a social worker at the Bureau of Gender Affairs.
“I’m looking forward to creating SOPs that enhance the services we provide and guide our work more effectively,” said Glenora Pacquette.
Keisha Polydore added, “The data highlights our challenges as frontline workers. I hope this training leads to faster and more effective support for the vulnerable populations we serve.”
By the end of the training, participants had drafted SOPs for critical areas such as child care and protection, support for at-risk youth, social welfare, assistance for abuse survivors, and elderly care. These SOPs will serve as a roadmap for enhancing service delivery and promoting collaboration across departments.
Dr. Esprit expressed optimism about the initiative’s potential impact: “I want participants to leave this training with actionable SOPs and a renewed sense of purpose and community. Together, we can create a system that better serves the people of Dominica.”
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