Newsletters from Jamaica

The Social Development Commission (SDC) has committed to working with us on the youth, literacy and parenting projects that are now being developed. The SDC is an agency of the government charged with creating and deepening mechanisms for the involvement of civil society in the management of their affairs at the community and national level. The vision of SDC is "a Jamaican society where all citizens actively participate in a process and benefits from the resulting good governance, economic prosperity, sustainable environment and social wellbeing".

To strengthen the partnership and cultural exchange along with the Projects Abroad volunteers local volunteers will also work on these projects. The Parent Teacher's Association at the school and volunteers from the National Youth Service will work on the projects. The mandate of NYS is to tackle youth issues and make a meaningful impact on the number of unattached youth (youth that are unemployed and not enrolled in school) in Jamaica now totalling over 140,000.

Two weeks? I’m staying here for one month, and half the time has already passed. I can’t believe that! Well, I always wanted to come to Jamaica, and of course there were a few thing that I’d expected when I thought about what it would be like. Actually, all expectations have become true but in a way that I hadn’t expected! Everything is so colorful and the music that surrounds you no matter where you are – love it! Also the family that I’m staying with is so friendly and helpful, no matter what I’m ask for. So I have another two weeks left, and I’m sure that I’ll enjoy it as much – actually maybe a little bit more, because I have a guitar now.

Do you want to learn all the latest reggae dance moves? This includes Dela, Bogle, Signal Di Plane, Log On, Gully Creeper, Flowers A Bloom, Umbrella, Rum Ram, Cut Dem Off, Shovel, Ever Fresh Ever Clean, and many others.

Maybe this is cliché but Jamaica has truly become 'one love' I will always treasure. In a matter of just four short weeks I have met some of the most wonderful people. At my home I have been spoilt with delicious food, comfort and care, all making my adapting to the culture much easier. It has been a while since I have really felt like such a part of a family, and even though they laugh when I try to speak Patois, I have loved trying to catch on.

We are most grateful to the placements that accommodated Project Abroad volunteers from May 2008. These include Kendal Primary School, Villa Road Primary and Junior High, Hanbury Children’s Home, May Day High School and Anna Miller Basic School. Both the placements and volunteers have benefited immensely from this experience. I was impressed with the competence of Dominik Rohe and Thorsten Rosch and their level of commitment in assisting the children in learning new skills. The volunteers for the most part punctual and respectful to students and teachers with whom they interact. We are grateful for the cross-cultural exchange, this is an excellent initiative and I hope we get more volunteers soon. Their time was too short.