VIJON
VOLUNTEER IN JAMAICA OPPORTUNITY NETWORK
Alternative Spring Breaks, Mission Trips, Volunteer Vacations and other options are available for you and your group to make a difference while experiencing the culture and unique aspects of our island.
A volunteer vacation from VIJON gives you a chance to make a lasting contribution, the fruits of your labor will continue to positively affect the community long after your work is done. You will build strong ties and lasting friendships with the Jamaicans with whom you will live and work. Rather than seeing the island only as a tourist, you will be immersed into the culture, enriching your trip far more than a typical vacation ever could. In addition, a volunteer trip is more affordable than a standard vacation, yet still allows plenty of free time to explore the popular attractions of the island and just relax on the beach.
Aside from being the patois pronunciation of the word vision, (vidge-uhn) VIJON is the result of a vision of helping build and unite the community of Treasure Beach through volunteer tourism.
VIJON, Volunteer In Jamaica Opportunity Network, is an organization which brings together groups in need of assistance with volunteers who wish to serve them, whilst promoting small scale tourism. Volunteer opportunities are as diverse as our participants, ranging from hurricane repair to assisting in our schools and much more. Groups who need a helping hand get a boost while at the same time the volunteers who serve them are treated to an insider's view of Jamaica as well as a great vacation on their down time. Our previous volunteers have hailed from all over the world, with a diverse set of skills from recent high-school graduates, attorneys, college students, retired teachers and more. All share a common desire to learn about the culture of Jamaica, serve groups in need and have a great time while doing it. Previous volunteers have given VIJON a great deal of positive feedback about their experiences serving with us in Jamaica. On the ground in Jamaica, VIJON unites guesthouse owners, tour guides, and other local business owners to not only provide services to the volunteers, but to use a percentage of the fees they collect to help support VIJON projects (for example purchasing of materials from the hardware store to build library shelving or computers for schools). The VIJON way of of service in the community has been a win-win situation for everyone involved. Incoming volunteers are welcomed into the village with open arms and the impact made in a short time has been overwhelmingly positive. We invite you to join in our vision of making VIJON grow.
WE ARE ACCOMPLISHING A GREAT DEAL, AND CAN ONLY CONTINUE TO DO SO WITH YOUR SUPPORT. EVERYONE CAN ASSIST AND TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
We will provide pre-trip fundraising assistance, group leader training, educational and support materials, as well as always accessible email and phone support. Upon arrival, we provide the transportation, diverse and affordable housing options, meals and work assignments, tours and more.
If you want to experience Jamaica have the desire to help, and at the same contribute to something positive, we'd love to host you and your group. Individual Application Group Application
We will be offering various programs throughout the year, in addition to helping individuals and groups plan custom trips. Individuals and couples as well as small groups can be accommodated throughout the year. Even if you are not able to participate in a VIJON volunteer vacation, there are still other ways you can help with VIJON.
Flexibility...
There is a great amount of flexibility with this volunteer program. It is suggested that your group work at least 5 days each week, and a minimum of half of the day, however, we will tailor the program to suit your groups wants and needs, whether it be for more or less volunteer time. Numerous community groups exist in Treasure Beach which can always use a helping hand. There is always room to assist with anything from manual labor to dentistry and everything in between. Email us if you have a special talent or skill which you think could be of use for our community.
Housing can be arranged to suit your needs as well. From tent camping to deluxe villa accommodations and everything in between, housing is tailored to meet you or your group's desire and budget. Meals include a mixture of American and Jamaican cuisine, with emphasis on locally grown produce and some meals from local restaurants. Special dietary needs can also be met upon request.
Requirements...
To organize a group volunteer vacation, a responsible, organized group leader is essential. The leader is the pre-trip contact with us, who is responsible for ...
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Selecting at least 6 other volunteers
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Inform and educate group prior to the trip
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Collecting all required paperwork and deposits from group and submitting them in a timely manner
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Being the liaison between the group and our staff in Jamaica
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Coordinating all pre-trip recruitment, fundraisers, and meetings
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GROUP LEADERS TRAVEL FREE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (AIRFARE NOT INCLUDED)
CURRENT GROUP TRIP OPENINGS (11-15 participants per group) APPLY NOW!
Alternative Winter Break 2008 (taking applications now, application deadline Sept. 15, 2008)
Alternative Spring Break 2009 (taking applications now- confirmation deadline Nov. 15, 2008)
Custom Group Trips Available Year Round (apply now)
INDIVIDUAL AND SMALL GROUP TRIP OFFERINGS (Available Year-Round) APPLY NOW!
Computer Repair
Education
Organic Farming
Small Business Development
Super Summer Days Camp July 7- August 21, 2009
VIJON Intern Position
Primary Schools (serving grades 1-6 ages 6-13) in Jamaica are severely under funded, suffering a lack of proper infrastructure, teaching supplies and materials and adequate staffing. VIJON places volunteers at Sandy Bank Primary and Pedro Plains Primary Schools to work one on one with students who are in need of special attention, which is not always possible for the teachers due to the extremely large class sizes. Volunteers may also assist teachers in the classroom, work in school libraries (at Sandy Bank) help develop libraries (Pedro Plains), teach basic computing skills and assist in expanding computer labs (Pedro Plains). Sandy Bank Primary also has a small organic garden which volunteers may work in. All schools also appreciate help with beautification projects and infrastructure repair/construction projects. In addition to the assistance provided, the Primary School students benefit from fresh faces, new role models, the cross –cultural exchange and a perspective brought in from the wider world.
SANDY BANK PRIMARY SCHOOL
Teachers express below grade reading level as the #1 concern. One on one tutoring is the greatest academic need. Individual tutoring for the common entrance exam taken by the older children (results of which determine future school options) is also needed. Supply shortages include pencils and PE equipment. Jump ropes and playground balls are are needed. Items which teachers wish they had but do not see possible due to budget include floor and ceiling fans, TV and DVD players for classrooms, and portable cd "boomboxes" for classrooms.
Our success at Sandy Bank Primary has included...
-hosting an arts and crafts camp over holiday break 2006
-mural painted on school exterior
-starting playground construction- completed monkey bars and tube slide
-large donations of school supplies, books and more
-hundreds of volunteer service hours at the school in classrooms and on the grounds
Future goals with Sandy Bank Primary- YOUR HELP IS NEEDED!...
-completion of playground- including swingset, balance beam and zipline
-obtaining more computers and equipment to meet VIJON 5 year computer education goals
-revitalizing the school garden
-assisting with expansion of library and facilitating the children being able to check out books
-uniforms for the cricket and football teams
PEDRO PLAINS PRIMARY SCHOOL
Teachers express reading and writing below grade level as the primary concern. The library is in need of more books. The computer lab is in need of refurbishing. Arts and crafts and PE are two additional areas the staff would like volunteers to assist in. . There is an equipment shortage including pencils, arts supplies, and reading books. Items which the teachers wish they had but do not see possible due to budget include tape recorder, dvd and vhs player, computers, phonics kits, photocopy machine, overhead projector and microscopes. VIJON is conducting a "computer drive" to acquire working computer systems to equip the Pedro Plains Primary School computer lab. We are in critical need of Windows 98 or higher operating systems with CD-Rom drives, and educational software to adequately facilitate basic computer education. The air-conditioning unit in the computer lab is also in need of repair or replacement. VIJON is pleased to announce that we have a volunteer who has filled the position for the 2007-2008 school year to assist in computer education. PEDRO PLAINS SCHOOL IS IN NEED OF SOMEONE TO CONTINUE THIS WORK FOR THE 2008-2009 SCHOOL YEAR! The volunteer's impact will be much greater if you can help support this cause with an unused machine that would be of benefit to the school, or assistance with repairing the damage to the AC unit..
Other desires expressed by the staff at Pedro Plains "Act as motivators for pupils to want to succeed. To bring to the learning environment a fresh and different outlook based on differences in cultures. Volunteers be prepared to engage the pupils in discussions on opportunities that exist in the wider world when one is properly trained."
Our success at Pedro Plains Primary has included...
-stocking and organizing the library with a large donation of books
-repairing existing shelving in the library and adding new shelves
-replacing the roof that was damaged during a hurricane in the computer lab
-fulfilling some items on the school's wish list including vcrs, dvd players and school supplies
-obtaining 2 computers and software for the computer lab
-a "total makeover" for the computer lab
-placing 2 long term volunteers to teach computer education for the 2007-2008 school year
-obtaining sports equipment and starting a PE equipment check-out program for the children at lunch time
-over 2000 hours of volunteer assistance at the school so far!
Future goals with Pedro Plains Primary- YOUR HELP IS NEEDED!...
-repair remainder of the damaged roof covering classrooms and library
-obtain additional computers, software and digital cameras for the computer lab
-assist in further beautification of the school grounds
-install basic playground equipment
-place long-term volunteer(s) for the 2008-2009 school year to assist in computer education and more
Salvation Army and God’s School in Treasure Beach are schools serving children aged 2-6 which presently do not fall under the Jamaican Ministry of Education’s umbrella. Thus these schools receive no government assistance and rely solely on school fees collected from the students as well as private donations and funding. Materials, operating expenses including utilities, salaries and food for the school canteen all must come from the budgets which are significantly smaller than those of the government assisted schools. Shortfalls and needs exist in all areas due to lack of financing. VIJON places volunteers within these basic schools to assist in one on one instruction, teacher assistance and infrastructure improvement.
GOD'S SCHOOL
God's School requests volunteers to assist with more individualized instruction of their young students. Headmistress Mrs.Shaw requests that volunteers maintain good control over the students as proper behavior at this young age will mold the young students into well mannered and disciplined adults in the future. Supply shortages include playdough, glue and pencil sharpeners. Items the school doesn't see possible due to budget include educational dvds and battery powered educational toys geared toward the preschool age group.
Our success at God's School has included...
-fulfilling some wish list items including books, school supplies, sporting equipment and vcrs
-installing a playground complete with slide, swings, monkey bars and more
-fixing the existing sandbox
-assisting in financing of bathrooms
-painting classrooms, bathrooms and more
-hundreds of volunteer service hours at school and working on the school grounds
SALVATION ARMY SCHOOL
Salvation Army School requests volunteers to assist in classroom instruction. In addition the school requests volunteers to assist in creating more visual aides and classroom decorations. The school is developing a reading center, music center, and math center and would like assistance in creating these areas within the classroom. The teachers express a shortage of playdough, building blocks and story books.
VIJON Organic Permaculture Demonstration Garden
With the decline of the fishing industry more and more Jamaicans in the Treasure Beach area are turning to farming to make a living. Unfortunately even the agriculture schools in Jamaica teach farming with a heavy chemical dependence (fertilizers and pesticides). Treasure Beach is an arid region where the effects of this type of farming are intensified. Organic farming is a new method in the area, and it will take great success by the few local pioneers of the technique in order for the practice to spread and become the norm.
VIJON has leased a small piece of land to develop a demonstration organic permaculture garden. Volunteers with green thumbs or simply lots of energy needed to assist with this project! A great opportunity to not only assist in the garden but to learn some new skills such as wattle wall building, bamboo fence building, running "chicken tractors" and more! VIJON accepts volunteers year-round for organic farming projects.
SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Unemployment is very high in Jamaica. Self employment is most common in the rural areas. As Treasure Beach is an area with many tourist accommodations, opportunities exist to serve a hospitality market with small start-up business. VIJON places volunteers with individuals who are trying to start such businesses for consultation, assistance in planning and evaluating the entrepreneurs products and or services. VIJON accepts volunteers year-round for this work project.
Success in small business development...
-promotion of local artisans and coffee farmers via VIJON ASB fundraisers and arts and crafts bazaars
-grants for supplies for small scale artisans
-fair trade product distribution plan in conjunction with fair trade businesses in the USA
-income producing opportunities for homeowners in Great Bay via accommodation for volunteers
Future goals in small business development- YOUR HELP IS NEEDED!...
-signing on more fair trade stores to distribute Jamaican crafts and coffee
-starting up a local campground to provide more accommodation options and local employment
-promotion of existing local businesses to our visitors
CHILDREN'S ARTS AND CRAFTS CAMPS
VIJON hosts arts and crafts camps for children. The camps are free of charge for the children who get an opportunity to work in mediums they otherwise would not have the chance to experience. The first camp was a three day camp held at Sandy Bank Primary School during Christmas Break 2006. Nine volunteers and approximately 40 students enjoyed making books, drawing in various mediums and producing crafts.
July 23-27th, 2007 VIJON hosted a one week camp for 30 children, ages 4-12. In addition to drawing , coloring, clay and painting there was beadwork, calabash and coconut crafts. Children also received some school supplies to offset their needs next school term, as well as arts and crafts supplies to take home and work with on their own and with their family when the camp was over.
VIJON plans to host more extensive camps over the Christmas and Summer Holidays. We are seeking groups to assist with the planning and running of the next camp for Summer 2009.
In summer 2009 VIJON hopes to offer a wide variety of choices for the children to choose from in a day camp environment. Everything from arts and crafts to web site publishing and much more! Dubbed "Super Summer Days", with enough volunteer support, we will be able to offer something all summer long with something to spark interest in every child. If you think you might be able to assist with this massive project, see SUPER SUMMER DAYS for more details and an initial application.
All arts, crafts and sports supplies are needed and can be utilized.
DO YOU NEED ASSISTANCE FROM VIJON? APPLY HERE TO SEE IF WE CAN ASSIST YOU.
WHAT IS A TYPICAL ONE WEEK GROUP TRIP ITINERARY?...
SATURDAY pick-up at airport. Your group is driven the 2 hours from Montego Bay airport to your home base, Treasure Beach. Stop along the way for snacks and drinks at a traditional Jamaican bar/ restaurant. After checking into your rooms you head straight over to orientation and welcome dinner at Ital Rest Bar and Restaurant. We will let you know your schedule, introduce the VIJON staff and get to know a bit about each of you, while you enjoy the first of many great Jamaican meals!
SUNDAY- Major group work project day. After your breakfast we will head out to accomplish something big! Today you will make your mark on the community by participating in a major work project. This could include creating a reading nook in a classroom, putting in shelving and new books at a school library, painting a classroom, creating a school garden or repairing a damaged roof on a resident's home. At the end of the day you will have had the chance to get to know your group members and have collectively accomplished a project which will impact the community for a long time to come. After dinner, the evening is free.
MONDAY-
After breakfast your group will go to your worksite where you spend the day. Lunch is on your own. After dinner the evening is free. You may wish to participate in movie night this evening. We will be showing a Jamaican film accompanied by all-you-can-eat popcorn and perhaps a traditional Jamaican desert treat or two.
TUESDAY-
After breakfast your group will go to your worksite where you spend the day. Lunch on your own. After dinner this evening you may have the night off, or join the group at Ital Rest Bar and Restaurant for "Dancehall Night". We've got some of the most talented dancers to show you the latest moves. Jamaica is well know for producing countless new dancehall rhythms and moves to accompany them. It is a treat to watch and even more fun to try and learn.
WEDNESDAY-
After breakfast your group will go to your worksite where you spend the day. Lunch on your own. After dinner this evening you may wish to visit the crafts bazaar at Viking's House. We've invited local artisans to come in with their wares, tell you a bit about how their art is created and give you a chance to pick up some unique handmade souvenirs at great prices.
THURSDAY
All day adventure...
After a large breakfast... we head off to YS Falls. We arrive just as the attraction opens, meaning you will most likely have this tropical paradise to yourselves for most of the morning. In addition to swimming, rope swinging, tubing and getting the chance to get some spectacular photos, those truly adventurous may choose to do the zip-line, which will provide an exhilarating view from ABOVE the falls in the forest canopy!
The day continues with lunch alongside the Black River, where we may be lucky enough to see crocodiles from our table! If we are not so lucky, fear not, as there will be plenty of crocs to see on the river. We spend a few hours touring by boat the the Black River, Jamaica's longest river which runs through the largest freshwater morass in the Caribbean. Expect wonderful scenery, exotic birds, and the chance to get as close as you want to the many resident crocs.
As the boat leaves the Black River into the sea, we head along the coast to enjoy an exhilarating ride home which we may be lucky enough to share with dolphins frolicking alongside the boat. Our boat ride ends on the beach at Jack Sprat, one of the most popular places to eat out in Treasure Beach. Here we enjoy pizza or seafood at this beach-side slice of paradise.
FRIDAY
Today is the last day of volunteering. Expect some tearful goodbyes from your new friends in the community.
After dinner, catch the last sunset on the beach, where we have a bonfire tonight.
SATURDAY
DEPARTURE DAY :(
CUSTOM GROUP TRIPS INCLUDING FALL, SUMMER AND WINTER BREAKS OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS, TAILORED TO YOUR GROUP'S DATES AND NEEDS. APPLY NOW!
Thank you for everything this past week – not to mention all the prior preparation that went into making this week one to remember. Thank you for embracing each of us as family, for teaching us about your culture, and letting us share some of our own. Please extend this letter of appreciation to each of your family members, your friends, and all who helped this week. I learned more about culture, myself, Jamaica, and the way of life in a single week then I ever though possible!!
-Dan, JMU
As leaders, we had a great deal of responsibility in planning this trip from the beginning and I felt incredibly informed and prepared. Stephanie was extremely accessible and I felt that we could email with questions at anytime- this was crucial to my comfort level as a leader. This trip was incredible and I certainly believe that JMU ASB will return in the future… the opportunity to be a part of the Treasure Beach community and spend time with your family is truly valued and we thank you for that.
-Laura, JMU
I really appreciate your educational perspective – the intercultural experience is great for students and a good balance of Jamaican culture with sensitivity to our ‘American-isms’!
-Lauren, C of C
It was an amazing experience, thank you SO much for accepting us into your home and life; my favorite moments were spent talking with Viking and family. You guys are so real and loving –thanks for sharing so much! I’m so gland we saw ‘this’ Jamaica, instead of a tourist resort. It is so much more of a better experience to be fully put into a culture.
-Kelly, Louis & Clark
Stephanie, your hospitality, generosity and effort in managing our trip here went far beyond my expectations. I had no idea how well run the VIJON Program was going to be before I arrived. The food, lodging, and transportation were all beyond reproach, thanks to your high energy and constant communication. Give my thanks to Viking, Claudette, Dennis, Satchwell, your children, Damien, Murphy, and everyone else involved that helped make this trip a wonderful experience for our group. Thank you for letting us stay in your beautiful home. Best wishes!
-Alex, JMU
This was an exhilarating and educational experience. Jamaica is a beautiful country with friendly welcoming people. It was really fun working with the kids and living at Vikings house!
-Chelsea, UFL
Our trip was very well planned and followed the schedule almost perfectly. As leaders, we appreciated the constant contact necessary to ease the concerns of the participants… we had an accurate idea of what to expect for the duration of the week. Even when things didn’t quite go as planned Stephanie was there to hale a quick alternative and keep the group from becoming the least bit alarmed, this was well appreciated!... I feel like I have seen so much of a part of Jamaica that most don’t have the opportunity to explore and I would love to share this experience with others. I had such a positive experience in Treasure Beach!
-Lindsey, JMU
Honestly I can’t think of one thing I would change about the trip, I love this place, close to perfect!
-Blake, App. state
Stephanie- your hospitality, insight, and kind heart have made this trip a unique and truly memorable experience for me. Learning about Jamaica and being part of this community has changed me in a great way. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
-Elisa, JMU
Thank you for all you have done this week!! From getting all of us to school, bike riding, managing all the other schools and more…this trip was such an incredible experience! You are setting up a wonderful volunteer organization that is touching so many lives. I have been changed this week as I know many of us have and are so grateful to you and your family for giving us a place to stay, food, and amazing, wonderful memories! Thank you!
-Lindsay, JMU
Stephanie, I think what you are doing with VIJON is amazing and hopefully ill be able to return again with another JMU trip or on my own with my children. Until then trust your heart and may you always have peace and love.
-Holly, JMU faculty
The food was amazing and you took great care of us. On the whole, this was a wonderful trip! Thank you
-Madeline, L&CU
I appreciated this freedom we got in the evenings and in general. It was interesting to go to a tourism-fuelled town and see the difference. I can’t really think of any major improvements, this trip has really gone well for me. Thank you
Teal,
I think the housing and day trips were wonderful!
-Elisa, L&CU
Staying at the house was a really awesome way to get to know how life is in Treasure Beach for a short time. I enjoyed all the people here. I think your doing a good job so far!! The kids were a good bit amount of work, but they were also so fun. The thing I will take away from this trip is my communications and experiences with all the people here, thank you. I loved this trip and there’s not much else you could’ve done to improve it. Overall it was a great trip and I really appreciated it.
-Mika, L&CU
All the time spent at Vikings house was flawless – no problems there, carry on with the good times and vibes. The trip was so eye-opening and rewarding. It was 100% planned all week. Stephanie did a great job hosting and planning. I was comfortable the whole time, plus I really want to help this community and country any way I can. This trip was one of the best experiences I have ever had overall everything went really well.
-Moreen
The program was awesome, I loved volunteering, but I also liked the day trips and other things we got to do. It was an amazing experience; I want to come back again and again!
-Karen, C of C
I thought the trip was organized very well and I am definitely going to return to Jamaica as soon as possible and I really enjoyed the area we stayed in because I felt we were able to experience really Jamaican culture, I loved being able to have this experience!
-Rachel, C of C
Everything I experienced on this trip was a first, from the food, to the people and the places. It was a complete cultural immersion experience. Everything went way beyond my expectations. I felt very welcomed by the family at Viking’s house, and the living arrangements were perfect.
-Alexander
Everything went so well, there really isn’t anything I would change. I definitely would do this trip again, it was the best experience I have ever had and Jamaica is a wonderful place with great people.
-Sarah, C of C
With the capabilities you have as far as transportation and handling the logistics of the groups, its tough but you have done the absolute best to accommodate and provide service volunteers to the community, KEEP IT UP! Jamaica is amazing and just the mind change I needed…. I will be taking back to the states a whole new and improved way of spending my time and with a new description… ‘Livity’.
-Katie, C of C
I would love to return to Jamaica in the future! Everyone that I met her made me feel so welcome, and I truly enjoyed being around them. I don’t want to leave L thank you for making this an unforgettable week! I had such great and eye-opening experiences that I don’t think I would have had if I had strictly come as a tourist.
-Lauren, C of C
I am really glad that we all had the chance to go to the organic farm. Marlon was very friendly and enlightening. Part of the reason that I like to do these types of programs is to experience the culture of the country. Marlon’s spirit added to the trip as well as the other people we interacted with. I found myself able to trust Murphy and Howell and others that we were around. Mrs. Shaw was very gracious and accommodating. Mrs. Doreen and Conga’s food and hospitality also added to my experience in a positive light. I would love to return to Treasure Beach because you are able to let go of everything and enjoy the moment here.
-Ambria, C of C
I think the whole trip was very fun and organized. I would love to come back to Jamaica because of the beautiful land and great people. We were treated perfectly – I’m in love!
-Erika, App state
I absolutely want to come back to Jamaica, this experience fulfilled every tourist need I hoped for but more importantly I felt as though I thoroughly learned about Treasure Beach, and what Jamaica really is all about. It was an amazing experience.
-Caley, App state
I think that the arrangements and accommodations were absolutely amazing. Jamaica is absolutely beautiful and all the people are so warm and welcoming.
-Nicole, App state
I enjoyed how everything worked out, getting to see the “true Jamaica” and getting to do some touristy things as well (but they were better because they weren’t tacky touristy stuff.) the day trips were really enjoyable with all the ‘inside info’ and connections, which really made them better.
-Elizabeth
I thought this trip was amazing! All the people were so nice and I always felt comfortable and safe. The atmosphere of the guest house and the people we met made me fall in love with this place. You did a wonderful job.
-Emily, JMU
The family and extended family were so welcoming to all of us. I will always remember the trip and your dedication to your community. Murphy, Damian, and Capt. Dennis were all great guides on our trips. Viking educated us all and your children charmed us from the 1st minute.
-Holly, JMU
Overall it went very well. I’m Glad we were flexible in our schedule and activities when things changed. I love Jamaica, and how comfortable the Treasure Beach area is. We had the best balance between tourism and working.
-Becca, C of C
OUR RECENT NEWS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS...
August 25-28 approximately 30 children in the Great Bay area were treated to a "Back to school" arts and crafts day camp at the main beach and Great Bay cultural center. With the assistance of 5 energetic volunteers from New Zealand- Paul, Campbell, Rachel, Mnthali and Stacey, as well as 2 volunteers from Chicago, USA- Holly and Mannasah, and some additional help from Stephanie, Claudette and Cleo from Jamaica- a good time was had by all. In addition to arts and crafts and some active games, the children got a snack and hot lunch. Due to impending danger from Gustav, camp was called off for Friday, but Thursday the children were given a good stock of back to school supplies to start off the new school year right.
The children also had an opportunity to participate in a collaborative project with children in Chicago, painting quilt squares on for what will become a quilt jointly created by children in two countries! The quilt will be displayed in the US, and may even "travel" back to Jamaica at some point to display here. This collaboration with VIJON and Global Explorer Kids in Chicago will hopefully be the first of more to come. www.GlobalExplorerKids.org for more details on their work and update on the collaboration.
VARNISHING THE NEW SLIDE @ SANDY BANK PRIMARY
The God's School, Sandy Bank Basic School and Sandy Bank Primary School are all benefiting from VIJON volunteers and contributors who have assisted with the repairs and construction of school playgrounds. University of Tampa is presently (May 10-17, 2008) in Treasure Beach and they have just completed work on the playground at God's School. God's School received a new slide, glider swing, monkey bars, trapeze bar swing, buoy ball swing and repairs to their sandbox. The children's smiles tell it all...
Special thanks to Tracey Butler and her students at Manchester Elementary School in Windham, Maine. They held a talent show and raised the funds to assist with the project. Additional costs were offset by the Valley Association for the Education of Young Children in Virginia, USA. Thanks again to ALL the college volunteers who spent hours sawing, sanding, digging, varnishing, hammering and more to make these new playgrounds a reality. Check back for more updates and photos from the Sandy Bank Schools projects. As with all VIJON projects, the equipment and contractors are paid for by contributions from those that drive, feed and house and entertain the volunteers while they are in Jamaica. Big Up to Doreen and Conga at Ital Rest Bar, Captain Dennis, The Inn at Great Bay, Viking's House, San Dune Villa and all the other service providers who made this project a reality!
Who says it has to be all work and no play? A good time was had by all!
Special thanks to the ASB crew from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. They toiled hard all week in the garden, and devoted a day to the children. Approximately 30 children participated in a fun day at Great Bay Beach. The volunteers kept the kids entertained with games, well fed with snacks and treated them to a bounce-about. A big hit was the face painting and ballerina tutu kits from Klutz books . VIJON wishes to give John Cassidy of Klutz books a big-up and thanks for his generous donation of books. Read all about the interesting story of the Klutz company and see their wonderful, fun and educational product line at www.Klutz.com.
It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to friend of VIJON, "Outlaw" Errol Gooden who passed on Wednesday March 12 after an illness. Outlaw was instrumental in the encouragement of many VIJON projects, especially the demonstration garden which he was very much a part of. Outlaw also gave of his time and talents at our last arts and crafts camp this August where his calabash carving station was the biggest hit of the camp. His spirit lives on in the projects he inspired and the children's lives he touched. We will truly miss our friend...Jah Guide.
Thus far in the month of March over 60 VIJON volunteers have arrived from 5 US colleges and universities to work in Treasure Beach. These groups have given over 2400 hours of assistance to our area schools. VIJON volunteers have started construction of two new playgrounds at God's School and Sandy Bank Primary School in addition to assisting at Sandy Bank Basic School with their new playground. The computer lab at Pedro Plains Primary received a total makeover, including some great new computer themed wall-art courtesy of the talented crew from George Mason University. The volunteers also filled their extra bags with donations of school supplies which have been distributed to each of the schools and students directly. Pedro Plains school long-term volunteers/computer instructors Maddie Ferguson and Blaine Lose will be starting a lunch time PE equipment "check out" program at the school after the Easter holiday thanks to the donations which included balls, jump ropes and other sporting equipment.
James Madison crew sanding @ Sandy Bank... Slide Deck@ God's School... Enjoying the new monkey bars @ God's School.
Artist/Group Co-Leader Svetlana sprucing up Pedro Plains Computer Lab The George Mason U Crew at Pedro Plains NEW computer lab
The volunteers not only gave their time and talents in building, painting and classroom assisting, but also enjoyed dinner out with student's families and a day trip to YS Falls, Black River Safari, Pelican Bar and ride along the coast by boat. The students in Jamaica benefited from the new perspective the volunteers provided and the warmth and attention they were given during their time with them at school.
Viking and Stephanie Genus with the College of Charleston Crew. "Bob the Builder", can he build playgrounds? YES HE CAN!!
In February, 3 VIJON volunteers, a local contractor, three strong young men from Great Bay and 4 guests of Viking's House braved high winds and curious glances from students as we worked together to repair the roof of the Pedro Plains Primary School Computer Lab. In one day, the roof was fixed, giving our volunteers and the students they teach a safer more comfortable place to work. Denise Ingram and family, the 4 guests of Viking's House who helped out were motivated by the experience and need for more work, that they are working with VIJON to coordinate the complete repair of the remaining damaged roof in the near future.
BRAVING HIGH WINDS... ONE DAY, ONE CREW, NEW ROOF!
DOWN AT THE GARDEN...
Despite the ravages of 4 goats who busted through the fence and ate their fill, the new site of the VIJON organic permaculture demonstration garden is taking bloom.
Presently about 50% of the land has been planted. In addition to the trees that were already onsite, aloe, passion fruit, cho-cho, banana, papaya, pineapple, carrot, tomato, beets, turnips, lettuce, mountain cabbage, coco, okra, coconut, zucchini, beans , corn, butternut squash, watermelon, cantaloupe, cucumber, cilantro, sugarcane and more are thriving under the care of volunteers. The shade hut/ meeting house is under construction and will soon be ready to host local student and visitor groups upon it's completion.
Demo Garden Landowner Ms.Vanetta with chard and red oak leaf lettuce ready for dinner!
VIJON is once again collaborating with College of Charleston, James Madison University and Appalachian State University for their 2nd annual Alternative Spring Break trips to Treasure Beach. VIJON is also pleased to announce several new colleges and universities who will be sending groups this upcoming winter, spring and summer including; George Mason University, California Polytechnic University, University of Tampa, Eckerd College, Northeastern University and Carroll Community College.
Give thanks to Kelly Stienman, Dan and Cynthia Lowery for computer donations to be used at the Pedro Plains Primary Computer Lab. VIJON welcomes Maddie Ferguson, 2nd time VIJON volunteer/intern who will be instructing the pupils at Pedro Plains in basic computing skills. Computers, hardware and software are still desperately needed to assist with this project!
Thirty children enjoyed an arts and crafts camp July 23-27, 2007 hosted by VIJON at Viking's House in Great Bay. Special thanks goes to our volunteers and assistants, Maddie Ferguson, Andrea Lowery, Natalie O'Dea, Ms.Iverene and Outlaw who led the children in a variety of projects. The children aged 4-12 had a positive experience, were very creative and got to take home a lot of goodies, prizes as well as school and art supplies. An extra special thank you for the many who contributed to the cause including Karen Anderson, Donna LaHaise McDougall, KatieToumazou, Giselle Bailey and the many others who donated items utilized in the camp or given to the children to use at home and at school.
Over spring break, the Pedro Plains Library received a healthy donation of books as well as new shelving and repairs.
God's School received many items on their wish list, including pounds of playdough, a dvd player and vcr as well as a fresh coat of paint in both classrooms.
Sandy Bank Primary, Pedro Plains Primary, God's School and Salvation Army School collectively benefited from over 2000 volunteer hours of assistance during the school day during VIJON Alternative Spring Break trips in 2007!
Organic farmer's received a boost this February with over US $2500 worth of organic heirloom seeds obtained by VIJON in cooperation with Seeds of Change in New Mexico, USA. The seeds are being distributed to organic farmers all over the island with hopes that these time-tested varieties will flourish pesticide-free in plots and fields across the island.
We would like to extend a special thanks to the participants of Christmas Break 2006 and Alternative Spring Break 2007. 67 students and professors from University of Florida, Lewis and Clark College, James Madison University, College of Charleston and Appalachian State University donated time, labor and materials to our local schools.
More than thirty children benefited from a free arts and crafts camp held at Sandy Bank Primary School over the Christmas Break2006. In addition to receiving breakfast, snack and lunch the children worked on various arts and crafts projects.
HOW TO HELP WITHOUT VOLUNTEERING
Vacationers heading to Treasure Beach
Jamaican Companies-Treasure Beach Area
Jamaican Companies outside Treasure Beach and International Companies