Social & Community Development Facilitator

About the Program

Many communities in Jamaica are plagued by poverty, poor housing, overcrowding, low literacy rates, high levels of unemployment and a lack of appropriate sanitation. Community development agencies and local groups bring local residents together and encourage them to take initiative and improve their physical environment and socioeconomic opportunities. 

As a volunteer you will work with the community to identity their needs, help them voice their concerns and work to improve their livelihoods. You will create asset maps to help identify the key issues affecting the community, promote equality and social inclusion, and organise events like workshops and community fairs on education and literacy skills, life skills, and vocational training to boost residents' chances to be employed.

Webinar

Volunteers are encouraged to think about their time overseas and how they can adapt to the culture where they will be staying.  The webinar is a chance for volunteers to ask any questions and for us to address any concerns before the adventure begins.

Orientation upon Arrival

Volunteers will have a one day orientation session that will cover the following topics:

• How to adapt to a new culture and understand cultural differences
  
• Local knowledge (local amenities, language skills, and embassies & consulates)
  
• Personal safety and crime awareness
  
• Crisis management, including how to handle medical emergencies, security risks, and natural disasters
  
• V2 policies including complaints and code of conduct
  
• Specific training for volunteering role
  

Training and Support

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:

• 7:30 AM   Breakfast at the volunteer accommodation (Self Prepared)
• 8:00 AM   Travel to placement to join local placement staff and begin work on your project.
• 12:00 PM Break for lunch.1:00 PMWork at the placement commences if you have been assigned with an afternoon shift.
• 3:30 PM   You are free to travel back to the volunteer house to relax, go sightseeing or do some shopping

Volunteer activities for Community Facilitators include:

• Governance: Work with community groups to effectively plan and carry out activities
  
• Research: Create asset maps for communities so the organisation can better utilize the resourses that they have locally and to determine what needs to be improved
  
• Community Development: Assist community groups with writing project proposals for community projects and carrying out those projects
  

When you are not busy volunteering, V2 arranges a vacation package, allowing you to do some of the fun touristy things that the Caribbean has to offer. Climb the world famous Dunn River Falls, relax on James Bond beach, sip Bob Marley cocktail and learn the latest reggae moves. Jamaica has some of the best tourist attractions in the region and we can take you there!