JVP offers a variety of community volunteering opportunities. Whether you’re inclined to work with young people, contribute to local soup kitchens, or provide aid to the elderly, sick, or disabled, we have a project that suits your interests.

Volunteering in a feeding program is a great way to make an impact as poverty is a pressing issue in Jamaican society making our feeding program particularly significant and appreciated in Negril. St. Anthony’s Kitchen, situated in the bustling tourist hub of Negril, is managed by the Mary Gate of Heaven Roman Catholic Church.

This project was established in April 2010 and now serves breakfast to 40 children before school and provides hot lunches to approximately 120 individuals daily. The staff, all members of the Roman Catholic Church, radiate warmth and dedication and find immense joy in serving their communities and giving back.

• 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. Starting in Kingston: The volunteer journey commences with arrival in Kingston, the lively heart of Jamaica.
2. Orientation and Stay: Volunteers enjoy a comprehensive two-night orientation, ensuring they’re well-prepared for their upcoming experience.
3. Exploring Kingston: Before departing for Negril, volunteers seize a full day to delve into Kingston’s vibrant culture and history. This enriching experience encompasses local landmarks and diverse traditions.
4. Feeding Program Impact: Volunteers reach Negril, their final destination, to make a difference at St. Anthony’s Kitchen. By actively participating in this essential feeding program, volunteers directly contribute to the community’s welfare.
5. Negril’s Delights: In Negril, volunteers also have time to relish the beauty of the area. Engaging activities like beach adventures, exploration of local attractions, and cultural experiences await them.

This journey not only equips volunteers for meaningful engagement in Negril’s St. Anthony’s Kitchen but also offers a taste of Kingston’s dynamic energy and a chance to savor Negril’s attractions.

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 – Breakfast

8:00 AM – Transfer from Patsy’s Place to Saint Anthony’s Kitchen

8:15 AM – Help in serving breakfast

9:30 AM – Lunch Preparations

11:30 AM – Lunch time: Serve lunch, feed children, rest, and eat a Traditional Jamaican meal

1:00 PM – Afternoon Activities

2:00 PM – Assist in cleaning up

2:30 PM – Transfer from Saint Anthony’s Kitchen to 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.