About Us
The Social Development Commission (SDC) is the principal community organization agency working with Jamaica’s 775 communities. Positioned in the Ministry of Local Government & Community Development, the SDC continues to execute its legal mandate to inter alia, “promote and control schemes for, and to do any act or thing which may directly or indirectly serve the advancement of – sport, social, cultural & economic development – for the people of Jamaica and workers in particular”(S7/1965).
Our Mission
To facilitate the empowerment of citizens in communities, enabling their participation in an integrated, equitable, sustainable National Development Process.
Our Vision
To be the leading community development agency working within a Jamaican Society where all citizens actively participate in a process and benefits from the resulting good governance, economic prosperity, sustainable environment and social well-being.
Our Mandate
The overarching strategic direction of the SDC is to advance the economic development of communities through an Integrated Community Development Strategy (ICDS). The ICDS is based on strong community governance mechanism, reliable data for evidence-based planning and community responses through projects aimed at addressing priority issues. The main national priority for this period is that of Economic Growth & Job Creation.
Priority Policies, Programmes and Projects
Local Economic Development Support Program
Strengthening of the PGF
Registry
Parish Inter – agency networks
Community Research and Development Planning
Sports for Community Development
Community Incentive and Grants Programme
Goal(s)
To bolster viable economic enterprise and shape a culture of productivity that will result in growth in the local economy primarily at the community level.
To increase participation in local governance by establishing and building the capacity of community organizations to participate in decision making at all levels
To register Community Groups & Civil Society Organisations
• To ensure that the operations of all registered community groups and CSOs, are in adherence to the Local Governance Act (2016).
• To establish a register of groups legally registered with the SDC
To improve the quality-of-service delivery to residents through effective and efficient collaboration among service providers
To produce and update community data and information that is needed for local and national planning]
To promote social inclusion, reduce barriers, increase participation and promote personal, social and community development
To bolster community participation in developmental activities through rewards and incentives
Expected Outcomes(s)
• Expansion of Community Economic projects
• Increased employment / Job Creation
• Increased Dialogue with Elected Representatives
• Increased Advocacy by Community Groups
• Increased Citizen Participation in Governance
• Increased Access and Benefit to the Social Safety Net Programs by Vulnerable Citizens
• Improved Educational Outcomes
• Enhanced Community Safety and Security
• Increased Environmental and Climate Change Resilience
• Improved Educational Outcomes
• Enhanced Community Safety and Security
• Increased Environmental and Climate Change Resilience
Strategic Direction
The overarching strategic direction of the SDC is to advance the economic development of communities through an Integrated Community Development Strategy (ICDS). The ICDS is based on strong community governance mechanism, reliable data for evidence-based planning and community responses through projects aimed at addressing priority issues. The main national priority for this period is that of Economic Growth & Job Creation.
