FFTP to Reduce Food Distributions, Plans to Focus More on Empowerment & Capacity Building
Food for the Poor Guyana (FFTP) announced a strategic shift in its operations, moving away from consistent food distributions to a focus on empowerment and capacity building within vulnerable communities.
The announcement came following a recent press conference by the organization on Tuesday. Valini Leitch, in her opening remarks, expressed gratitude to the stakeholders present, highlighting the significant occasion as FFTP outlines its vision moving forward.
“Through this event, we aim to strengthen our relationships with the media, believing that collaboration is key to amplifying the impact of our initiatives,” she stated.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Andrea Benjami, elaborated on the transformation in FFTP’s operating model. “We have recognized that there is no longer a need for immediate relief; the focus now must shift to resilience and empowerment through capacity building,” she said.
She further emphasized that the organization has evolved in response to the changing needs of Guyana, noting that in the past five years, community dynamics have shifted significantly.
“Food for the Poor is still in existence, and we are operating. However, our goal now is to empower and provide opportunities for individuals and communities,” she articulated.
Highlighting successful projects initiated in 2024, she pointed to the Youth Empowerment Training (YET) program that equipped 13 youths with skills for employment, as well as the Benepe Program that has positively impacted the lives of children through access to education and medical services.
Benjamin noted, “Every initiative we undertake is driven by the principle of empowerment, which will shape our path as we move into 2025 and beyond.”She appealed to local companies to support this new direction, especially given the evolving economic landscape with the emergence of the oil and gas sector.
“We want to work with corporate entities to help them fulfill their corporate social responsibility mandates while ensuring we can continue to provide necessary support to those in need,” Benjamin stated.
Tabitha Barnwell elaborated on the organization’s approach to transforming relief into sustainable development.
“Our distribution department is tasked with not just giving out items, but strategically incorporating these into sustainable programs that address community needs,” she shared. Barnwell highlighted the importance of assessments conducted to ensure that aid meets the unique needs of various regions, citing real-life examples such as providing bicycles to schoolchildren in Region 1 to improve attendance.
“The objective is to create a sustainable environment where communities are equipped to thrive, rather than relying solely on relief,” Barnwell added.Meanwhile, Admin Manager Serena Knight-Alleyne underscored the importance of internal capacity building at FFTP to better support the organization’s mission.
Knight-Alleyne said, “We are focused on enhancing operations and ensuring that our staff is well-equipped to engage with the communities we serve effectively.She also highlighted ongoing improvement in processes, staff training, and infrastructure investments to achieve these goals.
As FFTP transitions into this new strategic focus, the organization is committed to making sustainable contributions to the development of vulnerable communities across Guyana. As Benjamin articulated, “We are moving from relief to resilience, focusing on building the capacity of individuals and communities for long-term empowerment.”
In partnering with local businesses and communities, FFTP aims to not only meet immediate needs but also to encourage self-reliance and sustainable development in the years to come.
