Local Community Development Helper

Do impactful work when you help to rebuild marginalized and underdeveloped Jamaican communities with our community development programs. If you’re looking for challenging and rewarding work, then this program is perfect for you.

Many neighborhoods, schools, and community centers in Jamaica have poor roads, untended buildings, and peeling walls in desperate need of repair. This is so as these underserved and marginalized communities struggle with limited resources.

Community development programs in Jamaica are therefore key to the development of these disadvantaged communities. By providing repairs and maintenance, you will contribute significantly to the development of schools, orphanages, health centers, churches and the wider community.

With our community development programs, volunteers work alongside expert local builders, who will guide you and pass on the skills needed to complete the construction program. You’ll help to make a real difference as you repaint walls and repair structures that assist locals with everyday living.

You’ll also have opportunities to help raise funds for building renovations, to develop sports programs in basketball, netball, football/soccer, cricket, and track & field, or to create campaigns for youth development programs such as recycling campaigns.

Most of our programs are community-based, so outside of the local builders, you'll be working alongside, you'll get to interact with members of the community on a daily basis. The people you’ll meet will be so grateful and friendly that it will likely change the way you see the world.

Bond with your team as you take your life and skills to another level and realize the valuable contribution your efforts have made to the community.

There’s nothing more rewarding than helping to rebuild a better and safer Jamaica for all citizens.

Essential Program Information

Program Times

Our programs are usually run Mondays – Fridays from 9:00 am – 4:00pm. However, we can arrange shorter days for those who require it. Some programs might have activities on Saturdays which are normally pre-planned. We will help you to make the necessary arrangements.

Safety

At JVP, our mantra is “Your safety is our number one priority”. This means that our job is not completed until you arrive home safely. 

To ensure this, when you are in Jamaica you will never be alone. A Jamaica Volunteer Programs representative will always be available to you. In addition to this, on your arrival, we'll give you safety tips and strategies to use during your orientation. 

On your arrival in Jamaica, we never send taxis to pick you up. You are always greeted by our smiling representative/driver.

JVP does not accept volunteers without a  background check/police report which states that the applicant does not have a criminal record. Applicants are also asked about mental health and medication. We do this to provide support for the volunteers in our program.

Like most other countries, Jamaica does have crime. However, our programs, routes, and destinations are designed around and away from those areas so you will always be safe. Even further, our volunteer home and program partners are located in some of the safest communities in St Andrew.

Our accommodation is located in a safe neighborhood in the hills of St. Andrew overlooking the city of Kingston. The organization’s founder and her family also live on this property. For safety and security, only authorized persons can enter the grounds.

We provide 24/7 in-country support where our dedicated team members are always there to support you with any emergencies or other needs. This means that when you book with us you will be treated as if you are a relative visiting from overseas and provided with a safe home away from home. 

Therefore, at all times you'll be surrounded by caring and trusted people to keep you safe.

Application 

You can apply at any time for all of our programs. However, we advise you to apply as soon as you can to ensure that you lock up your space.

Once you have paid your deposit and confirmed your place on the program, we will send you an email confirming your payment. This email will also include a link where you can download our Registration Handbook that will provide you with pre-departure reference and support information.

If you require any further information not covered in the handbook our staff is always on-hand to assist you.

Volunteer Experience Value 

If you are wondering if you can use your volunteer experience to boost your professional profile, then yes you can. At your request, we can provide you with a letter or certificate of completion detailing your volunteer activities and accomplishments. 

A volunteer experience abroad is a great resume booster and can be of great value when applying for college or a job. We’ll be glad to assist you to make it happen.