Embark on a meaningful volunteer journey that starts in Kingston, the capital of Jamaica. Upon arrival, you’ll undergo an orientation to prepare you for the adventure ahead. You’ll even have the option to explore Kingston’s culture through an exciting excursion. Following this, you’ll travel to Negril to begin your project work.

As a dedicated teaching assistant in Negril, your passion for children and desire to create change will shine. By collaborating with local teachers, you’ll help bring the daily curriculum to life. Your involvement could be any or all of these activities. These include special education, arts and crafts, IT, one-on-one sessions, and supporting physical education and sports. You’ll also facilitate sessions on reading, math, and cultural exchange, all aimed at enhancing the students’ literacy and numeracy skills.

This volunteer project is open to everyone – whether you’re taking a gap year, a career break, conducting research, or simply seeking a fulfilling experience. Your enthusiasm and willingness to make a positive impact matter more than previous experience. Join us in Negril and become a vital part of our local-led initiative to support and empower the children in our community.

Reminders: This project will be temporarily closed during school exams and holidays, 

specifically in early January, April, July – August, and late December. If you are only able to travel during these times, we request that you explore other project options to participate in.

• 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. Arrive in Vibrant Kingston: Begin your journey in Jamaica’s capital, Kingston. Get oriented for the adventure ahead and delve into the city’s culture through an optional excursion.
2. Journey to Negril: Travel to Negril, your project destination, where meaningful volunteering awaits.
3. Teaching Assistant Role: Engage closely with local teachers to bring the daily curriculum to life. Support diverse activities including special education, arts and crafts, one-on-one sessions, and sports activities.
4. Literacy and Numeracy Enhancement: Lead sessions on reading, math, and cultural exchange, actively contributing to the student’s literacy and numeracy skills.
5. Impact Without Experience: Regardless of your background, your enthusiasm and dedication are what truly matter. Contribute to children’s education whether you’re on a gap year, career break, conducting research, or simply seeking a rewarding experience.

Join us in Negril and embrace a journey that combines education, culture, and community impact. Your dedication as a teaching assistant will leave a lasting mark on the lives of the students and their future.

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.

First Day

Your initial day will involve being escorted to your designated placement by a local team member, who will also facilitate introductions with the placement staff.

Weekdays

On weekdays, your engagement might encompass both a minimum commitment of 3 – 4 hours per day from Monday to Friday. The specifics of your start time and daily workload will hinge on the project you’ve chosen. A standard daily itinerary is structured as follows:

7:30 AM – Head to your placement site to collaborate with local placement staff and commence work on your project.

8:00 AM –  Begin the day with breakfast at the volunteer project site.

8:30 AM – 12:00 PM – Project work activities

12:00 PM – Break for a rejuvenating lunch 

1:00 PM – Work at the placement resumes.

2:00: PM – Enjoy the flexibility to return to the volunteer house for relaxation, sightseeing, or shopping.

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.