Rondel Fonrose

  "We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give."  - Winston Churchill. Working in social services has shown me that communities transform when people unite with a shared purpose. Across our twin-island republic, everyday acts of generosity create waves of change that reach far beyond what we might imagine. Through my experience supporting diverse populations and navigating complex social systems, I've learned that strategic giving isn't just about charity—it's about building the foundation for lasting community resilience. Why Your Contribution Matters More Than Ever Trinidad and Tobago face persistent social and economic challenges, but there is tremendous potential for positive transformation within these difficulties. Our not-for-profit sector operates as more than a collection of charitable organizations—it serves as the backbone supporting vulnerable populations and creating pathways out of disadvantage. The regulatory framework suppor...

  Here's something that might surprise you: locking up parents actually creates more criminals. I know that sounds backwards, but the research is crystal clear. Children with incarcerated parents are six times more likely to end up in prison themselves. In Trinidad and Tobago, where we're already struggling with crime and overcrowded prisons, we're unknowingly feeding a cycle that makes everything worse. The Numbers Don't Lie Think about it this way - while most kids have a 4% chance of getting expelled from school, that number jumps to 23% for children with parents behind bars. College? Forget about it. Only 2% of kids with incarcerated mothers graduate from university, compared to 40% of other children. These aren't just statistics. They represent thousands of young people in our region whose lives get derailed before they even have a chance to succeed. What Really Happens to These Families When a parent gets locked up, the whole family falls apart. Suddenly there...