Deaf Education in Jamaica
Location
Jamaica: Kingston
Description
Volunteer in Jamaica, the largest English-speaking island in the Caribbean and experience the culture of this tropical island firsthand in a meaningful way. In partnership with Global Deaf Connection, World Endeavors is seeking experienced deaf educators who are fluent in sign language, as well as volunteers without signing abilities. Volunteers work directly with Deaf schools and programs to improve educational facilities and opportunities for the Deaf community in Jamaica . If you have demonstrated experience in this area or have an interest in aiding the deaf community in Kingston, Jamaica, we welcome your participation.
Highlights
Volunteers are needed year round to support the efforts of the Jamaica Association for the Deaf. There is a particular need for volunteers during the month long Summer Program in July. The Summer Program is an intensive literacy program with the goal of teaching Jamaican Sign Language and English reading and writing skills to Deaf educators in Jamaica. Due to the lack of a developed Deaf education system in Jamaica (most teachers are under-trained in Deaf education and sign language), most Deaf students leave secondary school with less than a 5th grade reading level. The Summer Program aims to help more deaf adults get into college and to put more Deaf teachers in Deaf schools all over Jamaica.
Upon arrival in Jamaica, volunteers are met at the airport and taken to their accommodations. They will receive an orientation that will familiarize them with the town and the surrounding area, the Jamaican culture, and their program.
Once the placement begins, participants will receive an additional mini-orientation at the project site that focuses on project opportunities and responsibilities.