LearnServe Jamaica
A Carribbean island of 2.8 million people approximately the size of Connecticut, Jamaica is best known for its beaches, Bob Marley, and Rastafaris. Yet the country has a different side. 20% of the population lives below the poverty line, youth unemployment is nearly 30%, and only three-quarters of kids attend secondary school. Youth-centered organizations address these issues.
LearnServe Jamaica participants work with organizations in Kingston, Scott’s Hall, and the Blue Mountains. In 2012, LearnServe Jamaica participants will:
- Offer literacy training to children at St. Albans Primary School in Kingston, in partnership with KBC Learning
- Receive training from KBC Learning to be effective tutors
- Live and work with families in the Blue Mountains, helping to improve their health center and community center
- Work with Scott’s Hall Primary School, also adopted by KBC Learning, in Scott’s Hall, a rural community approximately 1 hour outside Kingston
LearnServe Jamaica will give you the opportunity to see the side of Jamaica overlooked by most tourists – and join the individuals and organizations working to make real change in their communities.
Leader
The LearnServe Jamaica is Ginea Briggs. Ginea is a teacher at the School Without Walls in Washington, DC. She co-led the LearnServe Jamaica trip in 2011, and participated in LearnServe Zambia in 2009 and 2010.
Key Dates
Tentative travel dates
June 20, 2012 – July 6, 2012
Pre-travel Training Dates
At Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School, from 3-6:30pm on the following Sunday afternoons, unless otherwise noted. (4301 East-West Highway, Bethesda, MD 20814)
- January 29, 2012 – Teacher Orientation
- February 26, 2012 – Student, Teacher, and Parent Kickoff and Orientation
- March 18 – Students and Teachers
- April 15 – Students and Teachers (ropes course)
- May 6 – Students and Teachers
- June 3 – Students and Teachers
- June 17 – Send-off Celebration for travelers and families
Post-Travel Follow-up Programs
- August 30, 2012
- September 23, 2012
- October 14, 2012 - Graduation!
Cost
Cost of Trip: $2,950 (does not include passport, visa fees, or vaccinations)
Financial Aid is available. Any participant or school unable to cover the full cost of the program should contact Sabine Keinath by email at trips@learn-serve.org.
Resources
For more information, contact trips@learn-serve.org.
Program Information for parents, students, and teachers.
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