Jamaica

LearnServe Abroad student (right) listens to a presentation on a local plant in Jamaica.

The LearnServe Jamaica program immerses high school students in local efforts on education, environmentalism, and community development. Our students work alongside dynamic community leaders and social entrepreneurs, to deepen their understanding of Jamaican solutions to global issues. They conduct human centered design workshops with in-country peers to develop relevant service projects.

News

LearnServe Jamaica 2018, Day 15: Trust the Process

LearnServe Jamaica 2018, Day 14: Proud

LearnServe Jamaica 2018, Day 13: I Saw Half of Me in Them

LearnServe Jamaica 2018, Day 12: See for Yourself

LearnServe Jamaica 2018, Day 11: Appreciate the Roots

LearnServe Jamaica 2018, Day 10: Slipping in the Hallway and Making Jam

LearnServe Jamaica 2018, Day 9: Never Assume Anything

LearnServe Jamaica 2018, Day 8: Here to Grow as Leaders

LearnServe Jamaica 2018, Day 7: From the Farm to the Kitchen

LearnServe Jamaica 2018, Day 6: Hiking Day! It’s the People you Meet

Why Jamaica? +

A Caribbean 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.

What happens on the LearnServe Jamaica trip? +
  • Receive training from KBC Learning to be effective tutors
  • Offer literacy training to children at St. Albans Primary School in Kingston, in partnership with KBC Learning
  • Conduct a social entrepreneurship workshop and teach lessons at Maxfield Children’s Home
  • Live and work with families in the Blue Mountains, helping to improve their health center and community center
  • Teach computer classes with the Blue Mountain Project, a community development organization at Penlyne Castle

Community Partners

KBC Learning

Blue Mountain Project

Important Dates and Apply +

In 2020 LearnServe teams will travel to Jamaica, Paraguay, South Africa, and Zambia.  The three-week trips will depart late June; pre-travel training sessions will be held on Saturdays throughout the spring semester and include an overnight retreat. There are three post-trip meetings September – October in which participants prepare action plans and share their experiences with their schools and communities.

Costs +

Cost of Trip: $3,200 including airfare (does not include passport, visa fees, or vaccinations) Listed prices are estimates and subject to change at time of airline ticket purchase.

Financial Aid is available. Any participant or school unable to cover the full cost of the program should email Director and COO Sabine Keinath.