Jamaica Volunteer Programs proudly collaborates with The Risen Messiah Basic School, an Early Childhood Institution/Elementary school nestled within the friendly community of Good Hope. Our partnership aims to infuse hope into this community by enhancing educational facilities and opportunities.

Initiated by a determined principal, the school serves local children. Rapid growth outpaced the school’s capacity, prompting the need for new classrooms and other facilities. This project seeks volunteers passionate about building and nurturing a brighter future for young minds.

As a volunteer, your role encompasses painting, gardening, and participating in school construction and renovation. No prior experience is required, making it accessible for volunteers on gap years, career breaks, university students, or summer volunteering.

If you have a love for working with children, opportunities also exist to assist classroom teachers. Join us in transforming lives and fostering hope through this impactful endeavor.

• Volunteer from 1 – 12 weeks
• Ages 20+ and families
• Project Location: Good Hope near the tourist town of Negril Jamaica
• Projects align with UN Sustainable Development Goals
• Local-led projects with a focus on making a positive impact

1. Your gateway is Kingston: Begin your adventure in the lively capital, Kingston, as you touch down and set the stage for an extraordinary journey.
2. Orientation & Immersion: Enjoy a comprehensive two-night orientation, ensuring you’re well-prepared for the journey ahead.
3. A Day in Kingston: Immerse yourself in Kingston’s diverse cultures during a full day of exploration. Engage with locals, and see famous landmarks
4. Journey to Negril: Depart Kingston with anticipation, bound for Negril, your final destination where meaningful contributions await.
5. Create Impact at The Risen Messiah Basic School: In Negril, actively engage in transforming lives at The Risen Messiah Basic School by Contributing to building and renovation projects 
6. Enjoying Negril: Negril has a lot to offer. You can enjoy the beach, find cool places around, and explore the local way of life.

This trip offers a rounded experience – from absorbing Kingston’s vibrancy to fostering change at The Risen Messiah Basic School in Negril. Engage with local communities, work on educational projects, and revel in Negril’s lively activities.

Your program’s orientation is scheduled to commence on the first and third Monday of every month. To ensure a smooth start, volunteers should plan their arrival in Jamaica on the Sunday preceding the orientation 

Upon successfully registering for the program, please proceed to book the flights to arrive at the Norman Manley International Airport. Please note that you should book to depart from the Donald Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay which is closest to Negril. Airport pickup services are exclusively available on Sundays.

Upon arrival at the airport, a local team member will warmly welcome you and provide transportation to the volunteer accommodation. Your accommodation expenses are comprehensively covered by the Program Fee and include the first two nights accommodation in Kingston.

For those exploring Jamaica before joining the volunteer program, it is essential to coordinate with the local team for transportation arrangements from your current location. Alternatively, you can independently travel to the volunteer accommodation.

The orientation will be facilitated by our dedicated Jamaica team at the volunteer accommodations, commencing at 9:00 AM on Monday mornings. This comprehensive session will equip you with essential insights for your volunteer journey in Jamaica, including an introduction to the country, local customs, guidelines, safety protocols, travel possibilities within Jamaica, and an overview of your specific project and placement. Additionally, the orientation serves as an excellent opportunity to forge connections with fellow volunteers, and exchange contact information for weekend adventures and social activities.

Volunteer schedules and further program details will be provided during the orientation to ensure you are well-prepared for your enriching experience.

Throughout your placement, you will be staying at Patsy’s Place the homestay guest house with your fellow volunteers. The accommodation will be basic and of course clean, secure and comfortable and you will have access to all the basic facilities you’ll require during your stay. 

In Kingston, you’ll stay in a same-sex Dorm, and in Negril, you’ll have a  private bedroom with a shared bathroom. A kitchen hub is available with a stove, refrigerator, and utensils to fix all meals. Living is comfortable with electricity, running water, Wi-Fi, and Western bathrooms. There is no air-conditioning in the accommodation, however, fans are provided.  Water is usually not heated. You should bring your own toiletries and towels.

Your accommodation is an apartment complex housing many local and international professionals and entrepreneurs.

7:45 AM – Transfer from Patsy’s Place to the Risen Messiah

8:00 AM – Breakfast at Risen Messiah school

8:30 – 8:45 AM – Morning Devotion and Activities

9:30 AM – Lunch Preparations

10:30 AM – Construction, painting, and or Gardening Activities

12:00 PM – Lunch time: Rest and eat a traditional Jamaican meal

1:30 PM – Construction work continues

2:30 PM – Transfer from Risen Messiah ECI to an accommodation

3:00 PM – Free Time: Relax or explore the city

6:00 PM – Dinner time – time to revise the day’s activities and eat a traditional Jamaican Meal

This itinerary should only be considered as an example of the kind of activities and time

With weekends designated as free time, you have the opportunity to explore the rich offerings of Negril and the wider expanse of Jamaica. Immerse yourself in the distinctive local cuisine, music, and culture.

Negril is a coveted haven for resorts, flaunting idyllic beaches, enchanting waterfalls, and captivating art galleries within close reach of the volunteer accommodations. For those seeking thrilling experiences, here are just a few:

• Seven Mile Beach: Revel in the pristine beauty of one of the most famous beaches in Jamaica, spanning an inviting stretch of golden sand and azure waters.
• Rick’s Café: Witness breathtaking sunsets and daring cliff dives at this iconic establishment perched on Negril’s cliffs.
• Mayfield Falls: Embark on an adventure through lush greenery to reach these stunning waterfalls, perfect for cooling off and unwinding.

Furthermore, the Jamaica team extends an assortment of tours that you can conveniently arrange either before your arrival or during your stay. These options encompass:

• Black River Safari: Embark on a cruise along the Black River, where you can observe alligators, tropical birds, and the serene beauty of mangrove trees in their natural habitat.

Make the most of your weekends by embracing the diverse and captivating opportunities that Negril and its surrounding areas present.

Your accommodation is also conveniently situated near Patsy’s Bar and Lounge, offering you the chance to indulge in a variety of delectable local dishes. You can relax with a cold beer, and engage in lively pool games with the locals. This presents a complete cultural immersion opportunity, allowing you to fully embrace local flavors, connect with community members, and groove to the rhythms of classic Jamaican Reggae. By day’s end, you’re likely to forge new friendships and grasp a few “Patois” expressions. 

• Arrive at the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston
• Depart from Donald Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay

For the best experience, our volunteers who must be 18 and older, are encouraged to be flexible and open-minded. Creativity, initiative, and a sense of humor are also invaluable assets. Volunteers also need to submit important documentation such as travel health insurance, trip cancellation, a resume/CV, a copy of your passport front page, and a criminal background check not older than six months.

Your resume need not be more than one page long with a summary of your skills or gifts so we can best know how to use your service.