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WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO WHAT YOU CAN DO SIGN UP HERE GIVE THANKS!
Volunteer in Jamaica...with VIJON!
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. 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. We unite guesthouse owners, tour guides, and other local business owners to not only provide services to the volunteers while in Jamaica, 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). 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 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, housing, 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.
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.
What volunteers are saying about the program...
..."I've had such a great time with you all. Never have I felt more welcome and comfortable amongst an entire community of strangers..."
..."Thank you so much for hosting us and giving us so much generosity and hospitality - we truly had a wonderful time...thank you for the good food, advice, friendship and concern- I hope fate or another opportunity to help out at Sandy Bank, brings us together again..."
..."Sounds of the ocean. Fantastic food. Wonderful conversations. Cleansing salt in the air. Friendship. Respect. One Love. Tranquility. Calmness. Smiles. Forgiveness. Beauty. Rare Treasures...I feel blessed to have shared your family, neighbors and community..."
"This was an exhilarating and educational experience. Jamaica is a beautiful country with friendly and welcoming people. It was really fun working with the kids and living at Viking's House"
"I loved going to the school and teaching/playing with the kids. The kids are awesome..."
"Extremely memorable trip!"
"This trip was great. The food was great. The people here are so nice. I had a lot of fun at the school. The children were amazing. The ocean and hills are beautiful. Everything was perfect."
"
(artist/
volunteer Kim Fox painted a mural for the school)
Focus on Education...
The very first volunteer vacation program (spring break 2006) focused on education. Specifically, assisting the Sandy Bank Primary School in promoting reading. Participants had the opportunity to lend a hand by spending much needed one on one time with students who needed assistance with their reading skills. With some class sizes reaching nearly 60 students, this individual one on one was a tremendous help to the staff and students.
The school also benefited from volunteers who assisted in staffing and operating the small one room library and computer lab, expanding the time available for students to benefit from these new facilities to the school. One volunteer, talented artist Kim Fox, painted a beautiful mural on an outside wall of the school, which really brightened up the appearance of the school.
Volunteer
Christine Kaczmer contributed 2 weeks of service to Sandy Bank Primary. In
addition, prior to coming to Jamaica, she arranged an office-wide school supply
drive, generating donations of hundreds of pounds of much needed supplies
which were generously shipped free of charge by her company to the school.
RECENT NEWS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS
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 Break. In addition to receiving breakfast, snack and lunch the children worked on various arts and crafts projects.
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!
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 alot 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.
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.
VIJON is presently in the process of signing up colleges who wish to participate in ASB 2008. If your school would like to participate, please contact us right away!
VIJON is also seeking a small to medium sized group (6-15 people) to volunteer for next year's arts and crafts camp. We would like to have a group of 6-10 volunteers to work side by side with the children. It is never too early to start organizing this event, so please contact us today if you'd like participate.
SCENES FROM VIJON ARTS AND CRAFTS CAMP JULY 2007.
James Madison University volunteers sorted donated books, refurbished a broken shelf and added new shelving at the Pedro Plains Primary School Library.
SHOWING OFF THE NEW SHELVES TOURING A LOCAL ORGANIC FARM
Details...
We handle all of the details from your transportation, accommodation, meals (breakfast and dinner daily), entertainment and tours. Your group will be met at the airport by our driver who will safely transport you to your accommodations in beautiful Great Bay, Treasure Beach. Your group will have housing options which range from camping, small family run guesthouses and inns (see Viking's House for an example), up to deluxe beach front villas with a pool if your group's budget allows it! All breakfasts and dinners (except one dinner out) are included. All volunteers will have free, unlimited use of snorkeling gear and boogie boards to enhance their free time at the beach, as well as mountain bikes to explore the trails and rough roads of the village. If you bring your own lap top, enjoy unlimited WIFI access at most accommodations. Volunteers will also receive special discounts from some area restaurants, shops and tour operators. A thank-you party/ bonfire on the beach will be held your last night on the island. Your transportation back to the airport is also included.
Not included is airfare, lunches, one dinner out and spending money.
GET ON THE BUS! JOIN US FOR AN UPCOMING PROJECT!
OPEN GROUP TRIPS...SIGN UP NOW!
Spring Break 2008- open dates are March 15-March 22, 2008. Group size 10-15. Typical schedule listed below. Please contact us for details.
Educational Immersion/Service Trip May 17-31 2008. TWO WEEKS- combine service with the best of the area tours and day trips and to top it off- experience the Calabash Festival- THE premier literary festival featuring a weekend chock full of Caribbean authors, poets and musicians, beachside at Jack Sprat in Treasure Beach.
PROGRAM DETAILS
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 farm 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.
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. Presently there are no working computers in the computer lab. 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" over summer 2007 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. 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. 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.
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."
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.
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.
(PLEASE NOTE SCHOOL VOLUNTEER WORK WILL END JULY 1st, 2007 AND RESUME SEPTEMBER 10, 2007 VOLUNTEERS ARE WELCOME THROUGHOUT THE SCHOOL YEAR).
ORGANIC FARMING
TIFA-
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. TIFA (Treasure Beach Ital Farmers Association) was formed to assist in promoting organic farming. VIJON places volunteers with members of the organization and other independent organic farmers to assist in farm work. There is a pressing need for drought tolerant heirloom seeds, particularly lettuce and sweet pepper varieties.
VIJON Organic Permaculture Demonstration Garden/ Campground
VIJON has leased a small piece of land to develop a demonstration organic permaculture garden as well as a campground for our volunteers who wish to camp instead of stay in rooms while in Jamaica. 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.
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 camps for Christmas 2007 and Summer 2008.
All arts and crafts supplies are needed and can be utilized.
Volunteers may choose specific work projects listed above (based upon space available and season). VIJON will also assist individuals or groups who have a skill set better utilized with a custom work project.
How to Help without volunteering....
If you are vacationing in Treasure Beach and wish to donate any of the needed items listed above, VIJON will gladly forward the items to the selected school or project.
TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!!!!
SAMPLE ITINERARY FOR ONE WEEK GROUP TRIP
(ALTERNATIVE SPRING, FALL, SUMMER AND WINTER BREAK COLLEGE TRIPS TYPICALLY FOLLOW THIS SCHEDULE AS WELL)
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 lates 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 :(
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)
Costs...
The costs for the group volunteer program consist of housing, meals and transportation. Depending length of program, housing arrangements and group size, weekly costs can vary anywhere between $100-$600 per person. (Average cost for groups of 10 staying in a mid-priced guesthouse for one week were approximately $350 per person per week during our alternative spring break programs in March 2007). Groups able to stay for one month during the summer for example, will experience significantly lower costs as the program becomes more affordable the longer you are on the island. Please fill out the interest form below, and we will tailor a program to meet you or your group's taste and budget.
Potential Group leaders and individuals who are interested in coming alone or as part of a small group, please answer the following questions, and email QUESTIONS@ItalJamaica.com
Name-
Email-
Phone #-
How Did You Hear About VIJON?
Which work project are you interested in?
What dates are you interested in coming?
Will you be an individual volunteer or would you be a part of a group?
What type of housing are you interested in?
(camping, low budget guesthouse, low budget beach guesthouse, mid-range guesthouse or luxury accommodations, including villas)
Please let us know a bit about you, and why you would like to volunteer with VIJON in Jamaica.
FOR INDIVIDUALS
Individuals and small groups (under 6 volunteers), included in your program fee is housing, 2 meals daily, transportation to and from school and the free use of WIFI internet, mt.bikes, snorkeling gear and boogie boards on your free time. NOT INCLUDED is transport to and from airport ($120 US each way or cheaper via the public bus system) and side tours, which can be arranged at an additional fee. Cost for individuals start at $175 per week with discounts for longer stays, and more participants.
VIJON would not be possible without the many contributions of time, labor and materials donated by our volunteers. We would like to give special thanks to all of our past volunteers as well as the community members, conscientious tourists, and business owners (at home and abroad) who have and who continue to support VIJON programs.
Below are some of the companies who have helped support VIJON. Perhaps you can support them with your business and let them know you appreciate how they are helping out Treasure Beach.
BURGESS AND NIPLE...
Big up to Karen Anderson who carried almost 200 extra pounds of luggage on her vacation to Treasure Beach. Pedro Plains Primary School Library benefited from many of the books you carried. The summer arts and crafts camp is sure to be an even bigger hit with the huge arts and crafts supply donation.
Special thanks to all the employees of Burgess and Niple Columbus, Ohio branch (they are a team of professionals who deliver a full spectrum of architectural, planning and environmental services) who also donated supplies that filled Karen's bags, and last but not least, Mr.Terrence Sack, company president who funded all those excess baggage fees! www.Burgessniple.com
C.A. PARCHMENT AND SONS HARDWARE...
Big up Dean Parchment for cutting VIJON a "likkle break" on materials cost from his hardware store. We are always going to be needing lumber, paint and all those things that make structures stronger, schools brighter and vegetable plots safe from roaming herds of goats! Parchment's Hardware store in Southfield, Jamaica, just up the road from Treasure Beach has it all and is a well-run family business. (876)965-6211
CONTACT INFO:
BY MAIL...
Stephanie Genus - VIJON Treasure Beach Coordinator
Great Bay District, Calabash Bay PA
St.Elizabeth, Jamaica
West Indies
BY EMAIL...
BY PHONE...
(876) 318-8923