Julie Nurse, SpecialistJulie Nurse, SpecialistDepartment of Social Development and Employment Department of Social Development and Employment

Organization of American StatesOrganization of American States

Progress Report on the Puente in Progress Report on the Puente in the Caribbean Programthe Caribbean Program

2007-20082007-2008

Caribbean Conference on Horizontal Cooperation in Social Caribbean Conference on Horizontal Cooperation in Social ProtectionProtection

Port of Spain, September 11-12, 2008Port of Spain, September 11-12, 2008

OutlineOutlineBackground to the program

Pilot approachDesign considerations

Program implementationStrategies employedMain activities: purpose, outcomes and lessonsResults: Achievements and Shortcomings

ConclusionsConsiderations in applying the lessonsGeneral Lessons

BackgroundBackground

Implications of a Pilot ProgramImplications of a Pilot Program

Learning by doingA continual process of reflection and

programmatic adjustmentOngoing documentation of the processesLessons applied for future programming

Design ConsiderationsDesign ConsiderationsDifferences between Chile and the Caribbean

countriesCultural and linguistic differencesDifferences in size and scaleVulnerability issues: crime, migration, natural

disastersDifferences among the Caribbean countries

Development needsInstitutional realities

Distinction between the transfer and the application of the lessons from the transfer

Comparative Country ProfilesComparative Country ProfilesCountry Population Area

(sq. km)DevelopmentIndicators

GDP Per Capita (USD)

Ethnic Groups

Jamaica 2, 682, 000 10, 991 HDI: 0.736HDI Rank: #101Human Poverty Index: 14.3%

4,291 Black: 90.9%E. Indian: 1.3%Mixed: 7.3%White: 0.2%Chinese: 0.2%Other: 0.1%

Trinidad & Tobago

1, 324, 000 5128 HDI: 0.814HDI Rank: #59Human Poverty Index: 7.3%

14,603 E. Indian: 40%Black: 37.5%Mixed: 20.5%Other: 1.2%Unspecified: 0.8%

St. Lucia 164, 842 616 HDI:0.795HDI Rank: #72Human Poverty Index: 6.5%

6,707 Black: 90%Mixed: 6%E. Indian: 3%White: 1%

Chile 16.2 million

756, 950 HDI 0.867Rank: #40Human Poverty Index : 3.7%

12, 027 White & white-Amerindian: 95%Amerindian: 3%Other: 2%

ProgramProgram ImplementationImplementation

Strategies employedStrategies employedVirtual Forum

Online space designed to serve as pool for sharing comments, queries, concerns, responses and experiences related to the transfer and application of lessons on the Puente. A critical tool in transference process which facilitates continuous, virtual communication and training particularly among FOSIS tutors and Caribbean officers.

Mentoring by FOSIS Tutors Bridge between the Puente Program and Caribbean participants Technical advice in the transfer of lessons and design of local

programs Follow-up support and monitoring

Creating a multiplier effect through the selection of a small group of key individuals from Caribbean implementing agencies

Country Work Plans

Activities: Activities: Planning MeetingsPlanning Meetings

PurposeTo assess the needs and expectations of

participating countriesTo plan for the design of the program

OutcomesNeeds assessment from Caribbean countriesSystematization of country needs and design of

program based on the specific country needs and expectations

Definition of key actors and roles

Key Lesson: Key Lesson: One size does not fit all!!!

Activities:Activities:Program Launching and Introductory Program Launching and Introductory

WorkshopWorkshopPrimary Purpose

To bring together for the first time, the main actors involved in the program to share their experiences, needs and expectations of the program.

OutcomesBroad theoretical understanding of Puente

principles, methods and toolsReflections on the local context: how can

the Puente fit in my world?Identification of most urgent needs and

realistic plans for Pilot CountriesFirst country work plans developed

Key Lesson:Key Lesson: Puente was not built in a day!!!

Activities:Activities: Internship in Chile Internship in Chile

Primary Purpose: To enhance capacity in social protection strategies by observing the Puente Program at work, through field visits, lectures and interaction with stakeholders.

Outcomes Created a more balanced view of the

theory and practice of Puente Program Increased understanding of the reality for

which the Chile Puente Program was designed

Systematization of lessons learned which informed design of new local programs

Key Lesson:Key Lesson: Effective psychosocial support is critical to addressing the specific

needs of the families and improving quality of life!!!

Activities:Activities:Caribbean Monitoring VisitsCaribbean Monitoring Visits

Purpose To follow-up on the activities undertaken by the Caribbean

countries in the implementation of their Work Plans To provide technical support and advice on progress to date

and design of local programs

Outcomes Enhanced knowledge on Puente Program and

support for local programs among institutional partners, social workers and staff

Increased political and institutional support for local programs

Increased capacity of country teams to implement improved social protection strategies

Key Lesson:Key Lesson: A well-designed communication

strategy can promote local buy-in, inter-agency collaboration and

institutional commitment!!!

Results and achievementsResults and achievements• Strengthened institutional and human capacity in

more effective social protection strategies: • Targeting • Inter-institutional collaboration in social protection • Establishment of social networks• Family-oriented, rights based approach

• Creation or enhancement of 3 local programs which have integrated lessons of Puente while reflecting distinct country needs:• Bridge Jamaica• Koudemain Ste. Lucie • STEP-UP

• Political endorsement of local programs• Development of Opportunity Maps

Shortcomings and ChallengesShortcomings and ChallengesLimited use and functioning of the Virtual

ForumNeed to explore opportunities for broadening

and deepening involvement of UWI campusesDelays in production and distribution of

educational tools and materials for family interventions

Language differencesNeed to assign human resources for

implementation of work plans; multiple portfolios of local staff can be burdensome.

ConclusionsConclusions

Considerations in the Considerations in the Application of LessonsApplication of Lessons

What are the requirements and implications of a shift from demand-driven to supply-side approach e.g. supply and quality of public goods and services?

Finding appropriate strategies to address specific problems of rural and urban poverty

The adequacy of current local government structures to support a decentralized approach to social development

Transferability and applicability of current Puente Pillars…need for Caribbean-specific pillars

The effectiveness of a family-based approach to community-based, or national problems: e.g., unemployment, natural disasters, squatting; crime?

Implementing agencies are responsible for identifying and allocating financial resources for program execution

General Lessons of the ProgramGeneral Lessons of the ProgramThe success of a program such as the Puente,

requires strong political will and support.A pilot initiative with very real implications for the

countries involved: stakeholders, budget, human resources, institutional demands.

The need to allow local programs to evolve based on local reality and needs

The importance of an effective monitoring and evaluation system from the design stage of the program

There is value added in fostering collaboration, support and sharing among Caribbean countries

The Puente cannot and should not be transferred in its totality. It is important to identify the key and critical components of the Puente that can and should be applied to the Caribbean context.

Trinidad and Tobago’s Team meets with Family Intervention Unit and Mayor of Molina

Another satisfied Puente Family Launching in JamaicaYoung member of graduated family shows off her achievements

FOSIS team meets St. Lucia Social Network

FOSIS tutor shares the Puente board game with Jamaican social workers