RSVP Caribbean Volunteers

  Verified by Volunteer World
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rating

5

Outstanding


14

Reviews


9

Years in business

To identify programs/projects that are aligned to local needs and provide mutually beneficial opportunities for volunteers and partners to make a real difference.

Overview

RSVP Caribbean Volunteers was conceptualized and developed based on the need for suitable, affordable and safe needs-based programmes and projects for volunteers who wish to come to the Caribbean. RSVP Caribbean offers programmes and projects that are properly researched and make a ...

Review Description

Overview

RSVP Caribbean Volunteers was conceptualized and developed based on the need for suitable, affordable and safe needs-based programmes and projects for volunteers who wish to come to the Caribbean. RSVP Caribbean offers programmes and projects that are properly researched and make a meaningful difference. If you give of your time as a volunteer you need to know that it was worth it, you need to know that it was useful, you need to know that the company truly cares about the programmes, projects and communities that you work in and that is what RSVP Caribbean does - Respond...Discover...Change Lives.

RSVP Caribbean Volunteers is a registered company with its head office in Jamaica and sub-offices across the Caribbean. The focus is on the Caribbean because the socio-economic issues such as illiteracy; poor health services and facilities; inadequate access to, or, unaffordable health care; high unemployment; poverty; improper sanitation in schools and communities; lack of access to basic necessities (food, clothing and shelter); insufficient programmes for the elderly, the homeless and persons with disabilities and many other issues continue to be a challenge in Caribbean islands. As a volunteer you can accept the invitation from RSVP Caribbean to come and do your part to positively change the lives of persons through the various volunteer programmes.

RSVP Caribbean Volunteers coordinates safe, affordable, high quality needs-based programmes and projects for overseas volunteers from any country who want to give of their time, skills and resources to their chosen location. The company manages and coordinates all aspects of the volunteer's experience including, but not limited to, providing the necessary information about the programmes, projects and accommodation as well as advice on the culture, travel and volunteering requirements. Ongoing support before arrival and while volunteers are in-country is an important part of the service provided. RSVP Caribbean Volunteers provides efficient service for the entire volunteering experience and takes the burden off the volunteers. Let us take the hassle out of your volunteering experience.

The RSVP Caribbean Volunteers Team has over 20 years combined experience in volunteer placement and working with volunteers from over 40 countries. The team members have vast cultural exposure based on their extensive international travel experience; which includes the countries of our volunteers and, of course, the Caribbean nations that will facilitate the RSVP Caribbean Volunteers experience. As a result, RSVP Caribbean has first-hand knowledge of what it means to live and work in the Caribbean; which is coupled with our sound knowledge of the Caribbean's hospitality, travel and tourism industry. RSVP Caribbean is very passionate about helping others which is an extension of the fact that we believe 100% in what we do and, as a result, have been active in volunteering on various programmes and projects for many years.

Our Approach

All programmes and projects are based on specific situations that have been highlighted through research, consultations and reports. RSVP Caribbean cannot fix everything but we believe in doing our part to change lives.

All programmes and projects at RSVP are linked to the global sustainable development goals that many Caribbean islands are signatories to. These are specific local, national, regional and international priorities that are critical in improving the lives of persons. Of the seventeen (17) sustainable development goals, RSVP Caribbean through the work of its volunteers will focus on seven (7) of these goals. These are no poverty, good health and well-being, quality education, clean water and sanitation, decent work and economic growth, sustainable cities and communities and climate action. Every action or task undertaken by a volunteer is connected to a framework for short, medium and long-term improvements.

The communities and partners are the greatest assets and beneficiaries. RSVP Caribbean believes in tangible outcomes and so the programmes and projects are developed with the sole purpose of ensuring that over time there are visible differences within the populations that we serve. Our local partners are vital to this process and we recognize, appreciate and honour that.

RSVP will focus on one region – the Caribbean. This is important as it allows careful in-depth research, assessment, intervention and monitoring and evaluation of programmes and projects within a specific context. The similarities and differences across the Caribbean allows for case studies, communities of practice and documenting best practices. This targeted approach fosters better impact and use of resources.

Our Core Values

Integrity; Community Impact; Mutual Respect; Sustainability; Quality Service; Cultural Exchange; Environmental Preservation

Interested persons of all backgrounds, experience and nationalities can apply – we welcome diversity.

The Caribbean

The head office for RSVP Caribbean Volunteers Limited is located in Jamaica. RSVP Caribbean currently offers programmes in Jamaica, St. Lucia and Grenada and will continuously expand to the rest of the Caribbean each year. The Caribbean is made up of many islands all sharing some similarity in history, vibrancy and issues but each very unique in its culture and way of life. 

The Caribbean is an idyllic get away known for its beautiful beaches, breathtaking sunsets, lush vegetation, mountainous and flat landscape, rivers, caves, food, warm people and a place full of life and adventures. English is spoken in most Caribbean islands with other languages such as Creole, Dutch, Spanish and French in some islands. In countries where the second language is spoken more widely than English, RSVP Caribbean staff and partners will provide support.

Volunteers will be exposed to aspects of the Caribbean culture such as music, dance, fashion, food, history, achievements, sub-cultures, art, craft, folklore, drama, language and many others. Not only will volunteers learn the culture but there will also be opportunities for volunteers to share their culture with people in the Caribbean. Of course there is also the sand, sea and sun that volunteers can bask in on the weekend.

Safety

Volunteering abroad is a great opportunity to experience new cultures, make a contribution to society and grow as an individual. However, like with any form of travel there are some associated risks which must be understood and managed.

Your safety is our number one priority. We ensure that programmes, projects, accommodations and communities are safe for our volunteers to work and live by conducting risk assessments and preparing risk management and safety plans. We provide a detailed orientation the day after arrival which includes the necessary safety tips. Background and reference checks of staff, host families and volunteers are completed. We have first aid qualified staff and proper emergency response planning.

As a responsible provider of volunteer placement opportunities, RSVP Caribbean ensures that we provide information and support about safety and security to our volunteers. With our risk management and safety plans across programmes and countries, we take a comprehensive approach and provide volunteers with the relevant knowledge needed for them to keep safe, secure and healthy while volunteering on our programmes. Before leaving home our staff will provide safety tips and information to volunteers. On arrival there is a comprehensive one day orientation that further helps to prepare volunteers for their experience. 


Contact Person

Bridgette Barrett


RSVP Caribbean Volunteers reviews

Amelia Christie rating5.0

2020 at Assistant Teacher at Local Schools

I gave extra help to the children that were falling behind. I sat and worked through every math problem, spelling word, etc. with a child that I felt needed additional assistance. I also supervised my classroom, and the two other classrooms next to me whenever the teachers needed to step out of the ...
Jane Stinson rating5.0

2019 at Child Care Assistant

The volunteer experience provided valuable insight into child protection in Jamaica. I felt supported by the RSVP Team and the activities organized by RSVP were very valuable. For my host family – great food, great accommodation, local knowledge, warm and friendly. Reggae dance class, patois and ...
Marcos Vargas rating4.8

2019 at Assistant Teacher at Local Schools

I really enjoyed the cultural experience and the team went above and beyond to make us feel welcomed. The project was well organized and the team benefitted greatly from the ...
Anthony Bocalto rating5.0

2018 at Child Care Assistant

You all are the best. Thank you for this experience. I would love to come back next year. I encourage volunteers to give it their all, try your best and be open to new ...
Delissa Campbell rating5.0

2018 at Child Care Assistant

It was a great volunteering experience and I was grateful to be able to go to the different places and help out. I had an amazing time with RSVP Caribbean ...
Shreeja Patel rating5.0

2018 at Child Care Assistant

I honestly cannot think of anything I did not like, it was all well organized. I had a great time, I wish I was here longer. I like the fact that we could have combined projects. The most meaningful activities for me were those where we interacted with children, although everything was ...