Care and Community Work in Jamaica (2 Week High School Special)

  Jamaica

• Other Cities in Jamaica: 
Mandeville

Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: June 28 - July 11; July 19 - August 1

Description: Volunteers on this project will dedicate their time to improving the lives of children in a local orphanage, working in summer camps or participating in community projects on the beautiful Caribbean island of Jamaica.

Volunteers at the orphanage will help look after the children as they go through their daily routines including bathing, feeding and care. You will have plenty of time to organise games and other activities with the children. You will also help with the much-needed renovating of the orphanage. This will include plastering and painting the building, planting gardens and painting murals if you have some artistic talent.

Volunteers at the summer camp will assist in teaching sports, English and mathematics to needy children as well as art, crafts, dance, music and drama. Volunteers will organise presentations and discussions on topics relevant to teenagers such as HIV/AIDS, reproductive health, healthy lifestyles and environmental practices. The children are 8-16 years old and need added support in their personal growth and development. This will give volunteers a chance to share their culture and learn different aspects of the Jamaican culture.

Volunteers at the community project will play an integral role in renovating homes for the poor and needy especially those with small children and elderly individuals. This includes painting, gardening, making pillows, sheets, curtains and wall paintings to improve the general living conditions. Volunteers will get a chance to interact with their peers through community social events including sports, games night, Jamaica night and cookouts.

On the weekend you will go on a trip to one of the island's famous beaches or caves, or go rafting down the river. This will be coupled with a rich immersion into the music, dance, food and other cultural aspects for which Jamaica is known.

Highlights: You will help look after the children as they go through their daily routines at the orphanage including waking up, getting ready for school and eating meals. You will also have a lot of time to organize games and other activities with the kids and the other volunteers.

While the children are at school, you will help with the much-needed task of renovating of the orphanage. This will include plastering and painting the building, as well as painting murals if you have some artistic talent!

In the evenings there will be various activities for you to get involved in with your host family, staff and other volunteers. On the weekend you will all go on a trip to an area of the island famous for its beautiful waterfalls, or you might spend it at a nearby beach.

Cost in US$: 2,195

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 16-19

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Jamaica Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad

Projects Abroad's Mission Statement: As part of the global economy, Projects Abroad helps create local employment wherever we send volunteers. Employing local staff overseas and using their talents and knowledge is important to us. This local knowledge and support enables the organization to channel the skills of the volunteers from more affluent countries to regions around the world where they are needed. Volunteers also learn from their placements and the people they meet, and they gain experience in a chosen field. In the 21st century, we believe this mutual respect is what cultural exchange is all about.

Year Founded: 1992