Volunteering in Jamaica

Travelling to Jamaica through Jamaica Volunteer Programs was one of the most amazing experiences I've had in my life. It's difficult to sum up my two weeks in a short paragraph. The program directors were extremely hospitable. They went above and beyond to make our stay enjoyable. My group spent our first week in Jamaica volunteering at Mannings Hill Primary school (elementary school) and SOS Children's Orphanage. At the school, we were able to ask questions about Jamaican culture, answer questions about American culture, and teach lesson plans. The children were all so excited about having us there. We were able to make unforgetable connections with the students and staff. At the orphanage, we were able to play games and paint with the children. They loved having extra people there to love them. I made a special connection with a young boy. I am considering sponsoring this child. It was difficult to leave the children on the last day. Our group was able to visit Hellshire Beach. We learned how one of the vendors makes his delicisou fish and bammy. We learned about the costs involved in his business. We were able to enjoy a relaxing day on the beach (not without getting a little burnt, of course). The program directors brought us to a local market. We were able to buy ingredients to learn how to cook our favorite Jamaican foods (jerk chicken, banana fritters, and jerk vegetables). I can't wait to cook these items for my family and friends. My group also had the chance to go to Dunn's River Falls. The falls were beautiful. We even climbed the falls top to bottom. It was probably the coolest thing I've ever done! During our second week, we volunteered at Ozanam Nursing Home and Salvation Army Orphanage. At the nursing home, we did yard work, painted the building, washed windows, and visited with the residents. It was fun to make connections with a different generation of Jamaicans. At the orphanage, we re-organized and cleaned the library. We also played games with the children. We were also able to bring donations for the children. My group was able to "live like a Maroon" for a day. We learned how the Maroons eat, dance, bathe, and use herbs for medicine. I feel like I learned so much about Jamaica while making a difference in the lives of many people. I especially enjoyed the delicious food we were served each day. I also enjoyed waking up to the beautiful mountains and sunshine every morning. I definitely want to come back to Jamaica someday and volunteer through Jamaica Volunteer Programs again.