Parenting Project - Volunteer Teaching Work in Jamaica with Projects Abroad

  Jamaica

• Other Cities in Jamaica: 
Mandeville

Term: Academic Year, Fall, Spring, Summer, Throughout the year, Trimester, Winter 
Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months and 7-12 months
Typical Duration of Program: 9-12 weeks
Dates: All year round

Description: In order to touch the lives of children in a meaningful way, we have to improve the skills of parents who are charged with the task of shaping young minds into wholesome characters. Based on the stakeholder meetings we have been having across the parish, the issue of parenting keeps resonating as one critical area which needs increased focus.

Projects Abroad Jamaica Care placements have been focused on working in orphanages but we are now expanding into other critical areas. The Parenting Project is designed to allow volunteers to work with 4 to 5 families in a specific community. At times parents do not have the skills or resources to help their children in productive ways. Projects Abroad Jamaica is partnering with Rural Family Support Organization (RuFamSO) to expand their Roving Caregivers Program.

The RCP is a rural home visiting, early stimulation and parenting initiative, which is designed to provide enrichment to young children and their parents through training and deployment of young caregivers called Rovers. The RCP serves approximately 1,445 children up to the age of 3 years in 3 rural parishes in Jamaica. It is designed to promote the development, health and nutrition of children, the self-esteem and child rearing knowledge and practices of the parents, as well as to assist with income-generating activities for families. Secondary school leavers are recruited as rovers to work in the areas in which they live. They are trained to demonstrate and teach the parents development activities and child rearing practices. Parenting education sessions are also provided away from the homes in group settings by a professional.

The parenting program:
* Provides regular sessions on the development and stimulation of children
* Trains Roving Caregivers and Day Care Assistants
* Trains parents in parenting education and skills acquisition in communities
* Conducts parenting education sessions for teen mothers
* Prepares Roving Caregivers for professional Early Childhood Development certification

A number of other countries in Latin America and the Caribbean have also examined the project with a view to replicating it while four have established roving caregivers program based on this model.

The RCP is a model for the delivery of early development/stimulation services to children at a low cost to parents as well as to service delivery agencies. It allows children to remain in their homes while receiving services and simultaneously allows for the participation and empowerment of the parents. It enables children in remote rural areas who do not usually have access to early childhood development services to develop capabilities and skills like their peers who are enrolled in day care centers and kindergartens.

Volunteers can get involved and be trained as rovers to assist in this program. You are also given a manual, reference material and educational activities. If you have skills and training in early childhood development that is a plus but if you are interested in early childhood development or just willing to work with children you can be a part of this program. All volunteers undergo a two day training workshop prior to commencement of their work.

Highlights: The Caribbean island of Jamaica is well known for its idyllic beaches, turquoise seas and romantic sunsets, however beyond the tourist brochure facade is a country of laid-back welcoming people, smiling children and a lush mountainous interior well worth exploring.

Jamaica is the third largest island in the Caribbean and was described by Christopher Columbus in the late 15th century as the 'fairest land my eyes have ever seen'. Plenty of visitors today would still agree and tourism is a vital source of income for the island. However, many visitors who find time to venture off the cruise ships do not make it beyond one or two coastal towns and often miss out on one of Jamaica's biggest assets - its incredible mix of people.

Jamaica's rich history and cultural heritage is an intriguing mix of Arawak Indians, infamous pirates, Spanish settlers, British naval explorers and slaves yearning for freedom. Today, people of African descent make up just over 75% of the 2.6 million population.

Volunteers in Jamaica are spoiled for choice in terms of travel opportunities, both at the weekends and after volunteering. The Blue Mountains, YS Falls, Dunn's River Falls and Treasure Beach are popular weekend or day trips from Mandeville.

There are literally hundreds of paradise beaches awaiting you in places like Ocho Rios, home to the aptly named Eden Falls, where you can tube or raft down the river. Water sports like diving and snorkeling are popular around the entire coast or lie back in a hammock and sample a classic Jamaican rum cocktail.

Finally, no experience of Jamaica is complete without experiencing the vibrant music scene. Strains of Jamaica's most famous citizen, Bob Marley will undoubtedly follow you everywhere on the island and spectacular music festivals take place throughout the year.

Cost in US$: USD 2,345 and up

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Open-minded, eager to explore, help, and learn.

Age Range: 16-70

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Jamaica Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

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