The central and western Jamaican parishes in which our Caribbean nonprofit operates – Westmoreland, Hanover, St. James, Trelawny and St. Ann’s - with a combined population of more than 600,000, are at the center of the country’s thriving tourism industry.
Unfortunately, most residents of this region, which covers more than 1,500 square mile, are not full beneficiaries. Jamaica has the sixth highest murder rate in the world, with more than 16-percent of the 2.8 million people in the country living below the poverty line – the rate is 34-percent for those younger than 18. The unemployment rate is 40-percent for ages 15-24 and 784,000 citizens have not completed high school.
The Jamaican educational system sometimes puts insurmountable financial obstacles before families. The average Jamaican earns $2,500 a year and it can cost up to $1,500 annually to send a student to high school – only primary school is compulsory and free in Jamaica.
In partnership with 14 Baptist and Catholic churches in the region, we provide children, and communities, in both urban and rural areas, with educational and spiritual support. We believe the combination of education and spirituality offers the best chance for Jamaican youth to gain the knowledge and build the character that will empower them to lift up – not only themselves – but also their families and communities.
Unfortunately, most residents of this region, which covers more than 1,500 square mile, are not full beneficiaries. Jamaica has the sixth highest murder rate in the world, with more than 16-percent of the 2.8 million people in the country living below the poverty line – the rate is 34-percent for those younger than 18. The unemployment rate is 40-percent for ages 15-24 and 784,000 citizens have not completed high school.
The Jamaican educational system sometimes puts insurmountable financial obstacles before families. The average Jamaican earns $2,500 a year and it can cost up to $1,500 annually to send a student to high school – only primary school is compulsory and free in Jamaica.
In partnership with 14 Baptist and Catholic churches in the region, we provide children, and communities, in both urban and rural areas, with educational and spiritual support. We believe the combination of education and spirituality offers the best chance for Jamaican youth to gain the knowledge and build the character that will empower them to lift up – not only themselves – but also their families and communities.
