The future of Jamaica is dependent on the mental health and wellbeing of its children and youths. The child and youth development projects aim to equip children with the necessary skills to cope and understand and improve their physical and emotional wellbeing.
Volunteers can assist with a variety of tasks which include providing one-to-one support for learning difficulties, facilitate workshops and focus groups, and manage behavior and conflict resolution training.
All volunteers will need to undertake an online training course. The course consists of a 10-hour training program to prepare you for your time in Jamaica. It will help you understand the local context and settings in addition to highlighting some of the common challenges faced by children and youth. This course is compulsory, as you will be delving into mental health and will need to be fully aware of the dangers, challenges, and risks of working in Mental health.
If you are a graduate or current student studying psychology, social work, or international development, this project is perfect. The experience develops your practical skills while providing you with an in-depth knowledge of how individuals socialise in the Caribbean.
To volunteer on this project, you are required to have one year of experience in psychology, social work, or international development. Volunteers are also required to complete an online 12-hour accredited training program in managing challenging behaviors in Jamaican schools before volunteering. The program is delivered independently by UK-based Neuro Champions and costs an additional US$200.
First day
You will be taken to your placement by a local team member and introduced to the placement staff.
Weekdays
You may have a morning or afternoon shift, or both, and can expect to work a minimum of 3 hours, Monday through Friday. Start time and daily workload depends on your chosen project. A typical daily schedule would be as follows:
Volunteers Volunteer activities for Child and Youth Development include:
V2 organises trips that highlight the best of Jamaican culture. Volunteers can trek through the island's stunning Blue Mountain (some say you can see Cuba on a clear day!), climb the beautiful Dunn's River waterfalls, and explore the city of Kingston, amongst many other options. We are always on the look out for new trips and excursions and we are open to suggestions from volunteers. We can also help volunteers organise solo trips, if they wish.
Please book your flights to arrive at the Sangster International Airport (MBJ) which is the closest airport to the volunteer accommodation. Airport pick up is provided on Sundays only. When you arrive, you will be greeted at the airport by a member of the local team and transported to the volunteer accommodation (around 1.5 - 2 hours away).
Volunteers are accommodated alongside other international volunteers in a dormitory-style volunteer house. Living is comfortable in the volunteer house with electricity, running water, WiFi and western bathrooms. There is no air-conditioning in the accommodation, however, fans are provided. Bedrooms are comprised of single bunk beds and you can expect to share a room with one to three other volunteers of the same gender. You can request a single room subject to availability and additional cost.
A basic daily breakfast (toast, spreads, cereal, milk, tea and coffee) you’re free to help yourself to these each morning at the volunteer house.For volunteers who would like to have their dinners catered for, a home-cooked weekly dinner plan (Monday - Friday) is available for US$65 per week.
The V2 volunteer program orientation begins on the first and third Monday of each month and volunteers need to arrive in Jamaica on the Sunday before orientation. Please book your flights to arrive at the Sangster International Airport (MBJ) which is the closest airport to the volunteer accommodation. Airport pick up is provided on Sundays only.
Child and Youth Development
Develop and assist in improving the well-being of children through workshops and supportive initiatives.
$306/week
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