Description

The Disaster Management Project in Jamaica involves volunteering with the St Elizabeth Parish Council Disaster Coordinator. The project is open to volunteers taking a gap year, career break, or even a volunteer holiday. You do not need any specific experience to volunteer on this project; however you are expected to have a strong interest in the field of disaster management and a real desire to help the individuals and communities affected by disasters.

This project would be particularly suitable to any volunteers with geography, physical planning, international development, urban planning, disaster management, environmental science or psychology backgrounds. The project would also be appropriate for anyone wanting to gain experience or those already with training, in the fields of international development, aid and relief work, or those looking to work in charity or governmental sectors.

The Disaster Management Project designs programs that address individual and community resilience to disasters especially amongst the most vulnerable sectors of society; this includes children, women, the elderly and the disabled. The project also focuses on helping farmers and fishermen who are often severely affected by disasters.

Volunteers are needed to help with educating communities, schools and the business sector about disaster management. Volunteers will provide support to the local staff in a variety of areas depending on your interests and will actively participate in improving disaster management in St. Elizabeth. Volunteers work with the parish disaster coordinator to undertake a number of tasks including creating awareness campaigns and education programs, developing evacuation plans and drills, conducting research and implementing basic community mitigation projects.

Highlights

Volunteers in Jamaica are spoiled for choice 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 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.

Intern Types

Type of Programs

• Community Service / Volunteerism

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
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Registration fees
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

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.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

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