Ten Years of NIA’s RISE Program: Empowering and Transforming Nevisian Families

The Nevis Island Administration (NIA) celebrated the 10th anniversary of its impactful social intervention program, RISE (Restore Inspire Secure and Empower). Launched as a pilot in 2014, RISE has positively impacted 44 families and 214 individuals, employing a holistic approach built on six pillars: identity, health, education, family dynamics, housing, and employment/income generation. The program’s core mission is to empower families, particularly heads of households, to achieve self-sufficiency, break cycles of poverty, and realize their full potential. The anniversary celebration was a testament to the program’s success and brought together stakeholders, beneficiaries, and government officials to reflect on its transformative influence on the Nevisian community.

RISE’s decade-long journey has been marked by numerous stories of resilience, growth, and triumph. Deputy Director of Social Services, Kim Singh, lauded the program’s role as a “beacon of hope,” enabling Nevisian families to access opportunities in finance, education, and life skills training. The overarching goal, Singh emphasized, has always been to foster independence and liberate families from the constraints of government dependency. Through education, skill development, and financial support, RISE equips participants with the tools needed to build brighter futures and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

The program’s emphasis on empowerment, rather than mere financial assistance, was highlighted by Social Empowerment Minister, Senator Jahnel Nisbett. She shared insights from a recent roundtable discussion with RISE participants, where they unanimously prioritized the program’s educational component over the conditional cash transfer aspect. This underscored the program’s effectiveness in fostering a genuine desire for self-improvement and long-term development, demonstrating that participants value the empowering aspects of education and skill acquisition above short-term financial gains. Minister Nisbett reaffirmed her commitment to safeguarding the program, recognizing its crucial role in transforming lives and creating intergenerational positive change.

The anniversary event, themed “RISE 10 Years Strong. Empowering Nevisian Families: Reshaping Lives,” underscored the collective effort driving the program’s success. Attendees included a diverse group of stakeholders, ranging from government officials like Deputy Premier Eric Evelyn and Assistant Secretary Michelle Liburd-Rawlins, to former Director of Social Services Sandra Maynard, current RISE Supervisor Karen Brandy, counsellor Sheila Hanley, and representatives from various sectors including education and social development. This broad representation highlighted the collaborative approach adopted by the NIA to address social challenges and empower its citizens.

Premier Mark Brantley, in his monthly press conference, commended the Ministry of Social Empowerment for its dedication to improving the lives of Nevisians through programs like RISE. He emphasized the NIA’s commitment to investing in social development, recognizing it as a crucial pillar of societal well-being. He underscored the importance of equipping individuals with the skills and education necessary to achieve self-sufficiency, highlighting how programs like RISE align with the government’s focus on sustainable development and long-term empowerment. Premier Brantley reiterated the NIA’s continued financial support for these crucial social safety nets.

As RISE embarks on its second decade, the program remains steadfast in its mission to empower Nevisian families. By fostering independence, promoting education, and providing crucial life skills, RISE continues to reshape lives and build a stronger, more self-reliant community. The program’s success lies in its holistic approach, addressing various facets of individual and family well-being, and its commitment to equipping participants with the resources and support they need to achieve lasting success. The 10th anniversary celebration served as a powerful reminder of the transformative impact of RISE and the NIA’s ongoing dedication to empowering its people.