IVHQ Childcare Volunteering in St Mary, Jamaica

My favorite moment was getting to school on the first day of my placement and being accepted immediately by my teacher and students. They welcomed me with open arms. The biggest impact for me was the relationship I grew going to school everyday by teaching the students. I was crying happy tears on my last day saying my goodbyes to them. They made my trip so worth it! If you are hesitant or nervous to volunteer - I was too! But that feeling leaves immediately when you meet your housemates. I've volunteered with IVHQ twice now, both times have left me with friendships and memories to last a lifetime.

My favorite moment from the volunteer experience was meeting other volunteers and making relationships with people with different life experiences due to the variety of counties people came from. My volunteer trip gave me confidence to travel alone and taught me about Jamaica as a whole, people, food and culture. It’s the most effective way to see a country outside of tourism and will give you different opportunities that most tourists won’t have access to.

My favorite moment from the volunteer experience was being in the classroom with the teacher, and seeing her approach to teaching. She was calm, in control, never over reacted to bad behavior. As a teacher of music, I was interested to see how teachers around the world bring out the best in the students. No matter how much experience we have, we can learn from everyone. I'm sixty nine years old, love adventure, meeting new people and making a positive contribution. My advice is to get out of one's comfort zone and live life to the fullest. It's not always going to be easy, but will be worthwhile!

Ever since I was really little, it has always been my dream to travel, and with IVHQ I was given the perfect opportunity. My parents got married in Jamaica, which is one of the main reasons why I chose to serve in this location, and I am so glad that I did. The volunteer placement is located in a beautiful, very safe area of the island and was walking distance from James Bond Beach which all us volunteers loved. I volunteered in the local kindergarten, and honestly, working with the kids there truly changed my life. Both them, and the head teacher were so welcoming to me and the other volunteers, and I genuinely looked forward to going to work each day. Overall, IVHQ is an incredible and affordable option for people like me who love adventure and have a calling to travel. Can't wait to go on more IVHQ trips!

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We had the most magical time in Jamaica working with the Kindergarten program. The staff, children, and program in its entirety was incredible from start to finish. The food was amazing, the people were so kind, the excursions were breathtaking, and the other volunteers have become fast friends. We loved every exhilarating and beautiful moment of this trip. The worst part of the program was having to leave this adventuring and heart-felt and impactful week. I wish we would have known how difficult and expensive it is to mail items after leaving the program. Had we known this, we would have packed a suitcase with school supplies and left with the school upon leaving. Aside from that, I would change nothing about this incredible experience.

From beginning to end, this trip exceeded all my expectations. I went in with an open mind, compassionate heart, and wanting to see - everything. From the introduction to the coordinator (who, by the way, will become your best friend in Jamaica) to meeting the staff/children at the school - I couldn't have asked for a warmer reception. Mon-Fri, we volunteered and had the evening to ourselves. Often I would play with the neighborhood soccer team or the local kids on our street. Weekends were filled with Jamaican adventures and depending on your mood, you could end up at a beach party/party bus or just lounging poolside to recover ;). It was an unforgettable experience and the way the program is set up, I was able to really bond with the children and I think they bonded with me - we still FaceTime regularly... :)