Description

Sports are given a high priority in many Jamaican schools and the country is extremely proud of its sporting achievements, including having the most Olympic success per capita of any country in the world in track and field. By taking part in a voluntary sports project in Jamaica you can help to inspire the next generation of sporting talent.

The most popular sport is soccer, but cricket, basketball, athletics and netball are also widely taught in schools. Soccer is ingrained in the Jamaican culture and boys' football competitions get impressive attendance. Cricket is a lasting memento of the colonial days; however, over time the sport has gained fans and players from all social backgrounds and is now popular across Jamaica regardless of economic status or background. Basketball is a much more recent sporting addition in schools and has become the fastest growing sport on the island in the last ten years.

Whichever sports you enjoy, if you have a passion for developing sports in schools you can help to coach children as a volunteer sports coach. We offer our volunteer sport coaches the opportunity to work with local sports teachers in both primary and secondary schools in and around the inland town of Mandeville. Volunteers also work with the only Sports Officer for the parish to help oversee and coordinate all sporting activities in the parish.

Helping to involve children in sports in Jamaica means that the children become fitter and healthier, as well as giving them a sense of belonging to a team with a shared passion and goal. This in turn has positive benefits for the wider society because many of the youth in the local community are inspired to engage in sports outside of school, which can keep them away from less wholesome activities, and give them vital structure and purpose.

Highlights

Volunteers in Jamaica have many choices in terms of travel opportunities, both at the weekends or after volunteering. The Milk River Bath is a popular day trip from Mandeville, this natural hot spring is renowned for its healing powers, and is a relaxing way to spend the day after a busy week at work.

Further a field literally hundreds of paradise beaches await, with added attractions at 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.

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.

Qualifications

none

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Please go to our website for prices.

Cost Includes:

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

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Athletics
• Sports
• Volunteering

Typical Volunteer

Open-minded with a willingness to travel.

Age Range

16-80

This Program is open to

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

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups of 2-5

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Typically The Application Process Time is

10 days

Post 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