Project Location:  Projects are located in St. Andrew at  several orphanages in the capital Kingston. We try to provide accommodation as close as possible to your project. Some are located approximately 10 – 15 minutes from your housing and others are farther.

Orphanage volunteers work from Monday – Friday and have the option to work on a Saturday or Sunday if desired.

Project Start Dates:Weekly, start every Monday – Project is available all year

Age Requirement:  Minimum 15 years and maximum – good health.

Required experience: No prior experience is necessary but you should have a good attitude, be   flexible, creative and quick to adapt to changing situations. You should  love working with children and be patient.

Project Duration:1 – 24 weeks

Package Details:
Airport Pick Up:
Just think of us as family waiting for you in Jamaica. One of our representatives will be at the airport to pick you up and transfer you to your housing.

Accommodation
There are two types of accommodations offered. Home stays where you can touch, feel and see up close the Jamaican culture. Available are double/triple occupancy.

Shared Dorms are also available with sitting room. All the accommodations are in attractive Jamaican communities with elegant living. They are clean and offer the best of Jamaica life.

Orientation:
On your arrival and the following day before the start of your project starts you’ll be given your orientation. Get a good insight into Jamaica, the culture, things to do and see, and what to do in case of an emergency. And much more.

Food & Drink
Daily breakfast and dinner are included in your package. You are responsible for buying lunch.

Jamaica has been a melting pot of many cultures and influences and nowhere is this better reflected than in the wonderful foods of this exotic island. Some popular foods you’ll find  are: Calaloo & Saltfish, Curried goat,· Escoveith Fish · Bammy & Fish, Festival· Rice & Peas, Jerk Chicken and · Stew Peas & Rice

 Transportation: You have three choices: Private tour bus, Route taxi, and private taxi .You pay the cost of your local transportation.

 Insurance: It is a requirement that all travellers are covered by a travel insurance policy. We work with insurance providers who can cover travellers.

For details visit: http://yourtravelmedicalinsurance.com/international-medical-insurance or give us a call.

 Pre Arrival Assistance:
Before you arrive in Jamaica you may have questions or need to make special arrangements.We are here to give you help and support

 In-country support
When you are in Jamaica you will not be alone. Help is always available – 24/7 for emergencies and other support. Our team is there to support you.

 What happens before you go?
We’re a small team dedicated to looking after you, giving you useful advice, answering your questions (no matter how stupid you think they may be)

During your Free Time
On weekends you can explore Jamaica on your own and learn more about the culture. We also offer guided tours to many of the popular attractions.

Some popular places to visit:

Dates you can volunteer:
Weekly – Start every Monday – Project is available all year

Program Costs

We offer quality accommodation which is attractive and elegant but strife to keep your costs as affordable as possible.

	1 Week	2 Weeks	3 Weeks	4 weeks	5 weeks	6 weeks	7 weeks	8 weeks	Extra weeks
US$	550	$895	$1,140	$1,510	$1,870	$2, 230	2,580	2,920	$320

A program fee of $100 is charged in addition to accommodation costs

Here are all the items included in your program

Items NOT included in Package Costs

 

 Megan Shares Her Orphanage Volunteer  S Experience

Jamaica General

Do I need a Passport to Travel to Jamaica?
Yes – You need a valid passport to enter Jamaica

What kind of short or vaccines do I need before entering Jamaica?
Travelers to Jamaica do not require shots or vaccines before entering the island

 Is it necessary to convert money to Jamaican Dollars?
It is a good idea to change some of your money to Jamaican dollars as soon as you arrive in the island. The exchange rates fluctuate from place to place and some shops would not be able to give change in your currency. It is also be cheaper to buy products/services in Jamaican dollars

How can we exchange money to Jamaica Dollars?
Cambios, banks and some shops are available for money exchange. We’ll assist you by either converting your currency or during your transfers, stop at any of the money exchange places

Is the water safe to drink?
Jamaica’s water is safe to drink. Many ships stop here just for refilling their water supplies. If you do not want to drink our water, there is an abundant supply of bottled water for purchase

Will my cell phone work in Jamaica?
Yes, if you have roaming service connected to our phone. You can also buy an inexpensive pre-paid phone or SIM card

Do I need to buy travel insurance?
Yes, we strongly urge you to buy Travel Insurance. It is a requirement that all travellers are covered by a travel insurance policy. We work with insurance providers who can cover travellers

 We hear a lot about crime in Jamaica, is it safe to move around?
Yes, we have crime in Jamaica as you have in your country. Jamaica is a small island and often times the news is very sensational. As you would do in your country, you should be careful and use precaution and common sense. In your orientation we give tips to assist and help keep you safe

Is Ganja (marijuana) smoking legal in Jamaica?
No, smoking Ganja is liable to imprisonment or fines. We urge you to avoid the use of this drug

 Is there phone and internet available on projects?
In all accommodations there will be phone and internet service available. We strongly recommend having your personal cell phone

Accommodation Specific Frequently Asked Questions

Where will I stay?
There are two types of accommodation offered. Home stays with shared rooms of double/triple occupancy. This is a chance for you to touch, feel and see up close the Jamaican culture.
Also available are shared dorms with sitting room. All the accommodations are in attractive Jamaican communities with elegant living. They are clean and offer the best of Jamaica life

Do you offer single occupancy and air-conditioned rooms?
On specific requests we can offer single occupancy and air-conditioned rooms if they are available
Is tipping customary and how much should we bring?

Yes, Jamaica is a tourist destination and workers are expecting to be tipped.
We recommend that you give a minimum of US$10.00 and the maximum is at your discretion

What kind of food can I expect?
We serve authentic Jamaican foods but can provide substitutes   for volunteers who have special dietary considerations

Volunteer Programs Specifics

What should I expect when I first arrive in Jamaica?
You will be met at the airport by one of our representative and transferred to your accommodation. After your welcome and the following day before your project starts you’ll be given your orientation. Get a good insight into Jamaica, the culture, things to do and see what to do in case of an emergency and much more

Can couples or families join the volunteer program?
Yes, we welcome couples and families who want to volunteer and try to make special arrangements so they can be together

Are there additional payments to be made after arriving in Jamaica?
Program fees cover accommodation, daily breakfast & dinner, airport pick up and transfer to accommodation, orientation, pre-departure information and in-country support. You will need funds to cover personal expenses such as daily lunch, telephone, house-keeper tip at the end of your stay, local transportation which includes airport departure, tours or any other purchase. For personal expenses we recommend a minimum US$30 – $50. Per week

Orphanage Volunteering
You have the option to volunteer in Orphanages and work with children ages 3 – 18 years. Do art & craft, teach computer skills, play games, or just talk to them and show them you care

What kind of gifts can I bring for schools and the orphanage?
bring things like, crayons or anything for art & craft. Why? Many of these schools are very poor so although they should provide tools, you might not have things to work with if you do not bring some.

 Do you have any new or used toys?
Gadgets like iPod, cameras or anything first world that you can bring to show kids to use? They will be fascinated by these and you can use them to break the ice and win confidence

Do you have small sports equipment?
Do you have balls or any equipment to use with the sport of your choice? – In Jamaica, children love to play Sports. We are big on track & field; cricket, football, basketball, netball. There are many others, but these are most popular.

Can I bring Clothes?
If you are interested in bringing a piece of luggage with some personal items of clothing, then this would be welcomed. Many of the children both girls and boys ages 3- 14 need simple things like socks, underwear, sneakers, etc. They can be new and used.

Would the orphanage accept linen?:
Beds at the orphanages are urgently in need of sheets and blankets.  Popular choices are twin & flat

Can I bring sweets? 
Bring a gift no matter how small:  If you do not have big items, you may buy or ask others to donate   sweets, nuts or candies.

How many hours will I volunteer per day?  -Your hours of volunteer work will be  determined by a number of factors. Example: The volunteer activity you chose, number of days you requested to volunteer, and the flexibility of the program with which you are working with.

How should I dress?
Every country has its customs and traditions and this includes Jamaica.  
Dress for schools: In the schools you are expected to wear clothes that cover your body and  not reveal intimate parts. Do not wear shorts to volunteer in schools. At the orphanage you can  wear shorts for sports and relaxing with the kids.

How do I dress for church?
Jamaicans dress more formal to church. Do not wear short  pants and cover the intimate parts of your body.

Where will I volunteer?  – You will volunteer in schools, orphanages and community based  organizations.

What kind of things can I talk about when volunteering?
Tell about your country, the weather, clothes people wear for the different seasons; things they do, eat etc. Things you take for granted will interest them. Carry pictures, samples of clothes or anything that will help you demonstrate. These will make your work interesting

As a volunteer teacher what will I do?
You can work with a class teacher to help individual students. This means you would move around the class and help the students one by one with reading, spelling, math and other basic subjects.

Debbie Johnson Volunteer Testimonial