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IVHQ Child and Youth Development in St Mary, Jamaica

$300-600Program Costs
VerifiedProvider
Submit a ReviewNo Reviews
2007Year established

Program Overview

Volunteers on the Child and Youth Development program in St Mary support young people facing emotional, social or educational challenges. You will help run group workshops on wellbeing, confidence building, conflict resolution and basic health awareness. Volunteers also offer one to one support, helping participants express themselves, build coping skills and feel understood in a safe and encouraging environment.

Daily tasks may include leading discussions, helping with creative activities, organising games, supporting learning needs or simply being a steady positive presence. This support is especially important in communities with limited mental health resources where young people may face instability or pressure at home.

This program is open to volunteers aged 18 and older who have at least one year of relevant experience or study in psychology, social work, education or youth development. Placements run one to eight weeks, with commitments of up to five hours per day. Shared accommodation, meals, orientation and in country support are provided. This is a meaningful opportunity to promote youth empowerment, strengthen inclusion and make a genuine impact in St Mary.

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Program Highlights

Programs start every first and third Monday of the month.
Volunteer up to 5 hours per day as a youth-support volunteer, working from a dormitory-style volunteer house in St Mary.
Focus on promoting emotional resilience, mental and physical wellbeing, social inclusion and healthy development for marginalized youth.
Support youth through wellbeing workshops, learning assistance, one-on-one guidance, health sessions and activities that help children express emotions.
Opportunity to contribute to youth wellbeing, gain experience in social work and youth support, develop skills in facilitation and mentorship, and immerse yourself in Jamaican community life.

What's Included

Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
All Program Activity Costs
Wifi Costs
Weekday Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Weekend Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Airport Transfer (Pick-Up)
On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
Certificate of Completion

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Jamaica

Available Terms / Availability

  • Years Offered
  • Year Round

Eligible Nationalities

  • All Nationalities
  • This Program is also open to Couples, Group

Education Levels & Language

  • Education
  • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

Accommodation Options

  • Dormitory
  • Guest House

Application Procedures

  • Online Application

Age Requirement

18+

Duration

  • 1-2 Weeks
  • 2-4 Weeks
  • 5-8 Weeks

Starts At

$300-600

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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to all the most common questions about International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ].

What does the Child and Youth Development project in St Mary?

The Child and Youth Development program in St Mary, Jamaica involves supporting young people’s emotional wellbeing, facilitating workshops and assisting children with learning needs in disadvantaged communities.

* Helps young people understand and cope with emotional challenges.
* Volunteers run workshops and deliver one-on-one support.
* Focuses on both children and teenagers in the St Mary region.

What are the start dates and duration options for the program?

The program in St Mary with IVHQ starts every first and third Monday of the month and allows durations from 1 to 8 weeks.

* Start dates on the first and third Monday.
* Duration range: 1-8 weeks.
* Volunteer hours are up to 5 each day.

What are the eligibility requirements for the Development program?

To join the Child and Youth Development program in St Mary you must be aged 18 or older and you need at least one year of relevant experience in psychology, social work, education or development.

* Minimum age 18 years old.
* One year of relevant study or experience required.
* English proficiency and travel insurance mandatory.

Where are volunteers based and what support does IVHQ provide?

Volunteers in the Child and Youth Development project live in a dormitory-style volunteer house in St Mary and receive orientation plus full in-country support from the local IVHQ team.

* Dormitory-style volunteer house accommodation.
* Orientation starts at the program base.
* In-country team offers 24/7 support.

What skills and impact will I gain through the Development program?

 Through the Child and Youth Development project in St Mary you will develop facilitation, workshop-delivery and group-management skills while helping to promote mental wellness among youth.

* Facilitate emotional wellbeing and resilience workshops.
* Gain experience in supporting children and teens with learning needs.
* Engage in cultural immersion in Jamaica’s St Mary parish.

Recognitions & Awards

Awards and accreditations earned by this provider

Top Rated Provider Volunteer Abroad 2025
2025 Finalist - Innovative Volunteer Abroad Program
Notable Mention - GoAbroad Top Rated Volunteer Abroad Providers 2024
Top Rated Provider 2023 - Volunteer Abroad
Top Rated Volunteer Abroad Organization 2022
Zero Carbon
Notable Mention 2021 - Volunteer Abroad
Innovative New Program – Volunteer Abroad 2021 Finalist
Innovative Student Video 2020 Finalist
Top Rated Volunteer Abroad Organizations of 2020
Innovative New Program Volunteer Abroad 2020 Finalist
2019 Notable Mentions
Top Eco-Traveling Enthusiast of 2017 - Sustainable Voluntourism
Certified B Corporation
GoAbroad Top Volunteer Abroad Organization 2018

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