Chairman's Message

17 YEARS AS A POSITIVE SOCIAL CAPITAL ASSET ENHANCING THE QUALITY OF PEOPLE'S LIVES

“…do as many things as possible to help as many persons that are in need. Therein lies true strength and love for accomplishment.”

Dr. Henry I.C. Lowe, C.D., J.P., Chairman - Environmental Health Foundation

As we begin to take small, but already globally profound life-changing steps into the twenty-first century, and reflecting on the seventeen (17) years of the Foundation's existence, it is with the recognition that we have managed to become a positive social capital asset, enhancing the quality of people's lives, and enhancing community productivity and cohesion in Jamaica, in the areas of health, education, and the environment.

As one of the major nodes in Jamaica 's social capital network, with specific ties in our programming areas, the Foundation is constantly challenged to maintain and develop those ties within the network as many major health, education and environment organizations have experienced substantial and nearly simultaneous decline in funding and membership over the last seventeen years. Whilst the majority of Jamaican non-profit organizations are positive assets, it is against the background of declining social capital in the country. Nevertheless, we need to look forward to the potentials of the twenty-first century. But what will the future look like for the Environmental Health Foundation?

The Environmental Health Foundation's Strategic Plan 2005-2010 has allowed us to chart a vision that sends a signal for us to increase our efforts to strengthen our ties through the development of partnerships, thus strengthening the social capital network. Whilst partnerships have been one of the Foundation's long-standing strategies that have contributed to the organization's sustainability, partnership and its rules and benefits will be a paradigm shift for many non-profit organizations which are accustomed to operating in silos with little and/or absence of accountability.

The partnership developed over a decade ago with the Bernard Van Leer Foundation has provided a successful model for how two independent foundations can work together with a shared vision and committment. The partnership has facilitated a successful programme for making substantial contribution in the areas of early childhood development. The benefits have been measured and recognised particularly for the 9 (nine) basic schools that have been targeted.

It is well known that institutional support for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) has been extremely limited and these organizations have been weakened by economic problems. Developing and maintaining partnerships has not, and cannot replace the total value of funding lost; however, it has acted as a buffer, whilst we seek new and innovate funding in partnership together, focusing on mutually benefitical interests that provide maximum benefit to target populations.

There is empirical evidence that the quality of public life and the performance of social institutions are indeed powerfully influenced by norms and networks of civic engagement. Researchers in such fields as health, education, urban poverty, unemployment, the control of crime and drug abuse have discovered that successful outcomes are more likely in civically engaged communities.

The year 2009, and indeed the twenty-first century will be a period of change which will result in a wide range of opportunities and challenges. As we go forward, in partnership, we have an opportunity to build on our institutional successes and increase support for our various causes — but we must seize the moment and the opportunities.