JAMAICA
Petersfield, Westmoreland County
Jamaica is popular for it's tourist beaches, tropical beauty, and warm, friendly atmosphere but the majority of the island is not visited by tourists. Volunteering in Petersfield takes the tourist experience deeper and provides the opportunity for visitors to participate first-hand in the life of a small, rural community. Staying in home stays and supporting a burgeoning eco-tourism initiative, volunteers will contribute their skills while absorbing the stories and strength of people working to build a better future for their community.
The Partnership
The Association of Clubs
(AOC)
With tourism dominating the Jamaican economy, traditional
sugar-farming communities such as Petersfield are entering a new era,
in which they must strengthen their citizens towards action to ensure
the sustainability of their communities. The
Association of Clubs was founded with this goal of individual
and community empowerment in mind. Amizade has partnered with the
AOC since 2003 to connect volunteers to this unique grassroots organization.
The Commitment
Amizade and the AOC are working together to meet the needs of the Petersfield community. The currently proposed project is the building of a new primary school for the nearby Galloway community. Volunteers with an interest in community development, technology, health, education, construction, youth, business initiatives, and more will find plenty of opportunities to lend a hand.
The Impact
By fitting in to the AOC's already effective and existing programs, Amizade volunteers learn about community organizing while contributing their skills to the effort. AOC projects that volunteers have impacted include:
Youth Empowerment Summer Camp - teaching computer classes, serving as camp counselors, and tutoring.
Videography Program - creating video as a tool for educating the community, raising funds, and inspiring people to action.
Building Revitalization - contributing to a community park, painting the local post office, and restoring homes for needy people.
School and Hospice Visits - spending time and sharing culture with schoolchildren and people who are ill.
Jamaica Program References
Eric
Verprauskus - ejv7@pitt.edu
Martin
Kanselbaum - mk-vector@pacbell.net
Scott
Diels - sdiels@aol.com
Mary
Davis - madrad@umich.edu
Shelley
Stile - sms31@pitt.edu
Marie
Zettek - mez3@pitt.edu