Description

Contribute to village development projects in the fabled Blue Mountains of Jamaica. This is a great student group opportunity. Most of the work is in light labor. The projects might include helping install an improved water system, expanding a community center building, improving school classrooms or building walking bridges. If you are handy with basic tools or are willing to paint, you can be a great resource. Even if you have only limited experience with a paintbrush, hammer or a trowel, you can provide a great service. Occasionally, volunteers are asked to assist in classrooms and tutor children. Health-care professionals have also provided blood pressure check-ups, diabetes screenings, prenatal care, tooth extractions, eye exams and other preventative health-care services. This is a very "laid-back" culture, so work assignments are loosely made. If you're flexible, and can just "dig in and lend a hand" where it's needed, this is a program for you!

Highlights

Global Volunteers started its ground-breaking work in the Blue Mountain communities, and we continue this 25+ year relationship today. Since 1984, we have been privileged to work with and learn from the generous people in this region. We invite you to share this formidable relationship with us! Help upgrade infrastructure and improve educational programs to ensure a better future for children and their families in these quiet villages.

Travel Types

• Native Culture Studies
• Student Tours
• Tours
• Volunteering
• Homestay

Qualifications

If you have energy, an open mind, and are willing to serve as part of a team and take direction from local leaders, you will make a positive contribution to this exciting volunteer program.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

USD 1,995/2 weeks - negotiable

Cost Includes:

• Emergency evacuation services
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Registration fees
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

These costs support the community's on-going development program, and also cover your meals, lodging, transportation around the work site, project expenses, administrative costs, and the services of a trained team leader. The service program cost does not cover free-time expenses, or your airfare or other travel to the host community. All costs, including airfare, are tax-deductible for U.S. tax-payers.

Credit Available

yes

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

Our volunteers are culturally curious and open-minded people looking to contribute to a community development project and to improve their understanding of different ways of life, and the social struggles in developing communities. They are all ages, from various ethnic backgrounds, and of all different professions, such as educators, students, laborers, medical professionals, full-time parents, computer professionals, artists, lawyers and the like.

Age Range

above age 16

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays
• Group living

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of 10-15

Scholarships are Available

Check with us throughout the year to learn about available partial or full scholarships.

Application Process Involves

• Phone/Video Interview
• Written Application
• Letters of Reference

Typically The Application Process Time is

12 hours

Post Services Include

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

Global Volunteers's Mission Statement

"Partners in Development". Founded to help advance peace, rehabilitate improverished communities, and promote mutual international understanding between peoples of diverse cultures through short-term volunteer service on long-term community development programs. We maintain on-going partnerships with local leaders and indigenous host organizations worldwide. Each year, we mobilize up to 300 teams of volunteers to work alongside local people on work projects central to their advancement. We also raise funds to support our international and domestic partners and to provide child sponsorships for educational, social and medical assistance. Global Volunteers is in special consultative status with the United Nations and UNICEF.

Year Founded

1984