Program Reviews

I was seeking a volunteer experience that would afford me the opportunity to work with learning disabled primary school-age children. Jamaica Volunteer Programs placed me at Therapy Plus, a phenomenal organization that services private clientele as well as children in the state special education school system and underprivileged disabled children. Jamaica Volunteer Programs provided me room and board, laundry services and transportation to and from Therapy Plus so my focus could be on teaching.

The experience I had at Jamaica Volunteer Program was both life giving and adventurous. On the weekdays I was able to enjoy growing in my understanding of mental health while on the weekend explore the beauty Jamaica has to offer. I cannot imagine a better way to have spent this past month of my life and anticipate to do it all over again in the near future. Grateful to have met the wonderful people of this country and hope I gave even half of the inspiration and love as they gave me.

Needing some perspective on life I wanted to volunteer working with children. I chose Jamaica as a destination. And Jamaica delivered. JVP assisted me with having the experience I wanted and needed. The staff were helpful, the children were wonderful and my heart leaves more full. As I said to one of the other volunteers "Good-byes are not easy but I am a better person for having said hello."

This is the first time we have visited Kingston and worked with Jamaica Volunteer Program. I really did not no what we had in store. As soon as we arrived at the airport we knew we were going to have an amazing experience. This was a trip of a lifetime! The staff was amazing and exceeded all expectations. The accommodations were extremely comfortable and the food was the best! We worked hard volunteering, but we were able to get great rest as well. WE WILL BE BACK! We really could not imagine going anywhere else.

I will miss everyone until we meet again!

Love
Kim Maher

We came into the trip for the most part not knowing what to expect and we now depart with an amazing experience and memories. Maureen, Audlui, Marlon of Jamaican Volunteer Programs greet you with warm hearts, embrace you with warm hearts, and send you off with warm hearts. Additionally, Louise the resident Mom works so hard to made sure our family was fed well. She has a very special place in my heart. This experience for me and most importantly for my family will be ever lasting in our hearts. The orphanage had an awesome impact personally. When you look into each of the childrens eyes you see their heart and you see their soul. When you hug all of these children you receive will a gift for eternity.

I loved my stay! Everybody was so nice to me and made me feel super welcomed! I was a solo volunteer for 3 weeks and I never had a problem with anything. I loved the school and orphanage I was at also. I feel like they treated me like I was apart of their family. I don't have anything negative to say at all.

This program is so amazing for me as a person. I learned so much and grew a ton as a person, the kids showed me that happiness doesn't come from materialistic things but from the love around you. I love this program and I really want to get the chance to do it again.

This program showed me how people here live and it amazed me! Everyday we woke up are there was a warm delicious breakfast waiting for us then we boarded the buses. I went to Constant Springs Primary and Jr. High and I loved it! The kids and the teacher were welcoming with open arms. After school we came back to the house and had free time, until dinner. Which was always amazing. The people at Smokey manor are the most welcoming and loving people i have ever met. they made this experience amazing and unforgettable for me.

Our group flew into Montego Bay which I initially was not excited about but found out that it was a great way to see the Country of Jamaica. Our living quarters were great & the staff was always available to come with us to new events or explain our experiences. I'm not sure I can put to words what the entire experience did for me personally as well as the group. Our daily trips to the schools were a highlight.

Maureen and Linette and Marlin and Louise and Jerry treated us like family. They provided clean rooms and towels, cooked an unbelievable variety of outstanding Jamaican food, and encouraged us to use common areas inside and out, which we did indeed make good use of, whether for meetings, to relax or to play basketball or frisbee. We made great connections with students and staff in the schools we volunteered in.