Volunteer in Jamaica!

  Jamaica

• Other Cities in Jamaica: 
Rural Areas

Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: Ongoing

Description: Our Jamaica Undiscovered Program allows visitors to see a different side of Jamaica. Long associated with sun, sand, sea and all-inclusive resorts, there is much more to this Caribbean paradise. In the interior of the island, you will find the Cockpit Country, which is Jamaica's last remaining wilderness. This area is a global treasure due to its many endemic species, as well as its unique karst geography. Here, uniform limestone hills create the appearance of an upside-down egg carton, and harbor a complex cave system with numerous natural springs and rivers. A lack of economic options and poor land use practices threaten to destroy this important environment.

Volunteers will work with a local nonprofit in the Rock Spring community to implement sustainable development practices. The community is developing an eco-tourism program that utilizes forest resources in a sustainable manner and provides alternative income sources for community members. Volunteers will assist the community by cleaning up local rivers, caves, and sinkholes; marking trails; building wash stations in rivers to filter soap residue; teaching environmental education classes at local schools; and implementing anti-erosion measures on hillsides.

Projects vary depending on the number of volunteers, which projects were finished (or not) with the prior group, what priorities have changed, weather conditions, which supplies are available, and often the interest and fitness level of the volunteers. For these reasons, specific projects are often not fixed until the week prior to your arrival and can even change upon arrival.

Highlights: Ample time has been included in the project itinerary for leisure activity. After a day of hard work volunteers will have time to relax with their host families or explore the community. A series of cross-cultural learning activities, such as cooking demonstrations, dominoes matches, and patois lessons are planned to be a fun yet educational way to be immersed in a new culture. One afternoon will be spent on a nature hike and cave tour exploring the Cockpit Country.

Qualifications: No special skills or qualifications necessary.

Cost in US$: 1180

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Globe Aware's most typical volunteers are working professionals between the ages of 25 and 45.

Age Range: All ages welcome.

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Jamaica Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of >10

Application Process Involves:

• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Globe Aware's Mission Statement: Globe Aware seeks to promote lifelong advocates for a better world and to sustain the world's cultural and natural resources. The organization, together with the local community hosts, develops effective local solutions to global problems in non-religious, non-political, multi-international environments. The aim is to expand and foster cross-cultural peace and understanding between Americans and the rest of the world, to preserve culture and promote sustainability. Globe Aware expeditions provide volunteers the opportunity to live and work side by side with a host community. The hosts provide a safe and interesting setting in which to learn, help, and have fun. The volunteers help to empower the host communities in creating renewable, self-sufficient programs. While Globe Aware's financial assistance benefits the community economically, it is actually the involvement and collaboration between the volunteers and community that is the greatest mutual benefit.

Year Founded: 2001