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The Institute of International Education, in partnership with the Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, convened the inaugural 2012 T&T NGO Professionals Conference at the Hyatt Regency Trinidad on May 11th and 12th. Funded by the JB Fernandes Memorial Trust I, this two-day conference attracted over 120 NGO, CBO and civil society professionals working within Trinidad and Tobago. The conference allowed attendees to meet, network and share best practices. Conference speakers presented strategies for strengthening organizations, increasing funds from donors and conducting impact evaluations.

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A Message from the JB Fernandes Memorial Trust

Dear Trinidad &Tobago NGO Conference Attendees:

It is with deep pleasure that I am able to share the Conference Evaluations with all of you.

It was an honor for the JB Fernandes Trust to partner with the Trinidad & Tobago NGO community to bring this event to life. I am glad to report that based on the results of the evaluation, the conference was successful in meeting its key objectives to create a space where NGO professionals were able to engage with new ideas, connect with new peers, and collectively reflect upon and envision what the possibilities for this sector could be. The feedback that some of you provided has illuminated the need and desire for more connectivity and dialogue within the sector, and more opportunities to deepen knowledge on what it takes to manage effective organizations in the Trinidad and Tobago context. There is also a recognized need for greater engagement across the NGO, Corporate and Government sectors.

The JB Fernandes Trust is committed to strengthen the capacity of Trinidad & Tobago’s NGO sector. Having the opportunity to be in the room to interact with and observe interactions provided insight into the vitality, commitment and ingenuity of this sector and its tremendous contribution to the country and its people. Moving forward, the Trust will continue to seek ways to strengthen individual organizations addressing the needs of vulnerable children, youth and families; education; and poverty reduction, while simultaneously working with others to increase the availability of high-quality training and provide more networking possibilities.

In closing, I want to again express the Trust's gratitude to IIE, the Steering Committee, United Way, Sponsors, Workshop Leaders and Panelists, Volunteers, Clark Communications and all those who partnered with us to take this big step. Onward!

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Thank You!

Thank you to all the NGOs and presenters that participated in the 2012 Trinidad & Tobago NGO Professionals Conference and shared their organisation's best practices, challenges and future plans.

A special thanks to Ms. Gwyneth Morris Alexander, Deputy Director for the Ministry of Community Development; His Excellency, Ambassador Neil Parsan, Ambassador of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago to the United States of America and Mexico; the Honorable Mr. Orville London, Chief Secretary of the Tobago House of Assembly and the Honorable Mr. Rodger Samuel, Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister.

We also say thank you to our steering committee, conference registration partner - the United Way Trinidad & Tobago, and our generous conference sponsors - the JB Fernandes Memorial Trust I, Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, Institute of International Education (IIE), the Hyatt Regency Trinidad, Ministry of Community Development, SCRIP-J, Beacon Insurance Co and Scotia Bank.

Thanks also to our volunteers who did an exceptional job in assisting attendees and organizers during the conference. They are: Warren Chanansingh, Shani Christopher, Dionne Guischard and Tameeka Luces.

Special thanks to Marie Clark of Clark Communications for her invaluable work with our conference Facebook and T&T NGO News blog, and her overall advice. We could not have run this conference without her!

Thanks also to our conference performers, The Codrington Pan Family and Shahad Ali of the EMA Youth Ambassadors.

Finally, we wish to also thank our conference photographer, Salim October from Foto Melange, videographer, Jaime Lee Loy of Trinidad Home Studio Ltd and supplier of our eco friendly conference bag supplier, Beyond Business, Ltd.

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List of Conference Attendees

To see a list of organisations that attended the conference, please visit our Conference Attendees page.

You may also download the Conference Attendee List with contact information.

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Conference Photos

Visit the Foto Melange webpage to see photos from the conference.

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Conference Video and Presentations

View video and look at presentations from conference sessions.

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JB Fernandes Award for NGO Excellence

Congratulations to 2012 JB Fernandes Award for NGO Excellence in Trinidad and Tobago winner, Vision on Mission.

Special Recognition was also awarded to Adult Literacy Tutors Association (ALTA), The Cotton Tree Foundation, Mamatoto Resource and Birth Centre, Roxborough Police Youth Club, and SERVOL.

Please visit the JB Fernandes Award for NGO Excellence page for more information.

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Still have questions? Contact us at: ttngoconference@iie.org