Integrated Health Outreach (IHO), a nonprofit organisation, has announced the launch of a new 8-week Arts & Crafts Making for Business course supported by 30 scholarships. The application portal for the scholarships opened on December 12, 2025, and will close on January 15, 2026. The 30 successful applicants who are selected to participate in the course will acquire valuable new knowledge and skills in soapmaking, candlemaking, resin crafts, and flower pressing during in-person classes to be held twice weekly at the old BBC Relay Station in the Lightfoot area starting February 2, 2026.
The course is one of several ways in which IHO is working to foster climate resilience and promote sustainable livelihoods in Nelson’s Dockyard National Park (NDNP). It is a part of the IHO-implemented CBF EbA Caribbean Project, which is made possible by the support of the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund (CBF). IHO encourages residents from Liberta, Falmouth, Cobbs Cross, English Harbour, Spring Hill, Patterson, Fishers, Doigs, Barters and Cherry Hill to apply now. These communities are within Nelson’s Dockyard National Park, which is the geographical area of focus for the CBF EbA Caribbean Project.
On the application portal, applicants first answer basic questions about eligibility and are then given the chance, through a final question, to explain why they believe they are a good candidate to be awarded a placement. If space is available, residents from communities north and west of the NDNP may also be accepted and should also apply. These include Tyrells, Piccadilly, Table Hill Gordon, Blakes, Sawcolts, Old Road, John Hughes, Swetes, Jennings, Wallings, Boggy Peak area, Crabbe Hill, Christian Valley, and Cades Bay.
IHO Communications Officer, Kieron Murdoch, notes that applications are already picking up and encourages eligible candidates for the Arts & Crafts Making for Business course to make as strong a case as possible when answering the final question on their application. “It’s an excellent opportunity to gain the skills needed to create marketable products. For existing entrepreneurs, it’s something that can further empower you on your journey. For people seeking additional income for their family, it can make a real difference for them as well,” he stated.
The Arts & Crafts Making for Business course is one of several initiatives which IHO has organised under the CBF EbA Caribbean Project. Other initiatives, such as IHO’s Beekeepers Training, EcoTourism Course, and EcoTourism Workshop, have also been aimed at strengthening resilient livelihoods. IHO also launched two scholarships for aspiring volunteer divers to be trained and certified in scuba diving to support marine ecosystem management efforts by the National Parks Authority (NPA) and the ongoing activities of IHO. Those applications are now being considered.
Through the CBF EbA Caribbean Project, IHO has also been supporting the NPA’s ongoing coral restoration programme, while working with the NPA to facilitate other activities such as wetland assessments and various area and management plans. Awareness raising and public consultation have been a major element of the CBF EbA Caribbean project as well.
