Together we can.

Friends of the Care Project is a unique charity in Antigua that provides

support to both children and adults and is one of its kind across the

Caribbean. Thanks to the generous philanthropy of individuals, we can run

programs that benefit people in the early years of learning and adulthood.

The charity offers three types of support:

• Early Years Education – Children attend the Centre Monday to

Friday and receive an individual education plan tailored to their

needs.

• Community Outreach – Children can access individual therapy

sessions at the base,such as physiotherapy and autism-specific.

programs, where the focus is on teaching new skills or modifying

behaviors.

• Adult Outreach – Sessions are designed around individual interests,

abilities, and the level of support required. We also incorporate

elements of learning, guided by our Adult Outreach Coordinator, who

brings experience as a teacher and principal.

The Adult Outreach Program supports young people aged sixteen and

above, many of whom live with Autism or mental health diagnoses. Our

goal is to provide life skills training and opportunities for meaningful

engagement and participation, empowering everyone to live with dignity,

independence, and purpose.

The Outreach Coordinator has also been teaching these individuals.

numeracy and language skills, and it is so rewarding to see the progress in

abilities that had never been nurtured before. Previously, these individuals

might not have been seen as capable learners, but with the right support,

They are now demonstrating their potential and their desire to learn. This is

so empowering and for these individuals to learn skills that have been

dormant but now awakening.

The aim of our Outreach Team is to help individuals develop practical life

skills while providing a supportive, social environment where they can form

friendships and experience a true sense of belonging.

We offer a variety of engaging activities such as:

• Gardening

• Arts and Crafts

• Animal Care

• Sailing ability (including sailing opportunities)

Many individuals in this group have formed lasting friendships and feel

empowered by participating in meaningful roles around the Centre. Their

confidence has grown significantly, especially through involvement in a

new and exciting initiative.

Thanks to a generous donation, we have received two shipping containers

which we are transforming into a dedicated space for our Outreach clients.

— a major upgrade from the temporary gazebo they have used for the

past few years.

Under the direction of our project manager and Centre Director, who is

personally managing the project, the containers will be converted into a

purpose-built space featuring:

• A decked outdoor area

• Shaded indoor space.

• Accessible bathrooms

• A training kitchen for cooking and independence skills

To complete this transformation, we need to purchase essential materials

and fittings, including:

• Wood for decking and interior construction

• Toilets and plumbing fixtures

• Kitchen units and appliances

• Electrical fittings and lighting

• Basic furnishings and equipment

Early years education: The Friends Developmental Centre (FDC) provides

essential education to children with severe developmental needs and

learning disabilities—children who, without our support, would have little

to no access to education or meaningful social experiences. At the FDC,

Eight children currently receive need-directed education through a variety

of teaching methods tailored to their individual strengths. Learning is

delivered through sensory experiences and social interactions, helping

children engage with the world around them while receiving support in the

areas they find most challenging.

Our specialized education program supports children aged 18 months to

10 years who live with a range of developmental disabilities, including:

• Cerebral Palsy

• Spina Bifida

• Hydrocephalus

• Autism

• Receptive and Expressive Communication Difficulties

Principal Mr. Robertson, Centre Manager Mrs. Kate James, and Deputy

Mrs. Michelle Simpson lead the Centre. 

Together with our resolute team

of teachers and assistants, we develop Individualized Education Plans

(IEPs) tailored to each child’s unique learning and developmental needs.

To support children requiring physical development assistance, we also

employ a physiotherapist and a physiotherapy assistant. They work closely

with many of our students too:

• Support mobility and learning to walk.

• Assist with muscle development and limb usage.

• Provide hydrotherapy sessions.

In addition, we have a qualified nurse on staff who offers expert advice,

health support, and plans for both children and adults to address a range of

medical and care needs.

Our goal is to create a nurturing, inclusive environment where every child

can thrive and reach their full potential.

Each child has progressed since their time at the center, and every

achievement is a celebration of the dedication of both the team and the

child. Children who initially came to us unable to walk or talk have now

made remarkable progress and can both walk and communicate. It is truly

inspiring to witness, and without the commitment of our team and them.

determination to support learning, some of these children might never have

acquired these vital skills.

In addition, individuals with physical disabilities who can learn language

and numeracy skills have been given the opportunity to develop these

skills. These achievements will stand them in good stead for the rest of

their lives.