Help Jamaica! e.V.

HELP Jamaica! Centre

Cassava Piece, Kingston 8

Cassava Piece is located uptown, not far from Constant Spring, a wealthy shopping area at the outskirt of Kingston. Cassava Piece is what some people call an uptown ghetto: a poor neighbourhood with zinc fences, shacks, stony and tiny roads, many children and few opportunities – located left and right hand side of the Constant Spring Gully.

 

In this community, in Cassava Piece, we want to establish our first own education centre. We already chose a suitable property, the ‘Old Clinic’ which is currently owned by the Ministry of Health. The building was damaged during a hurricane and has gone vacantly unused for many years. We are currently negotiating with the authorities in order to use the building for a long period of time or possibly even purchase it. Here are some pictures of the building:

We want to renovate and furbish the building and establish a library and computer center, which can be utilized by the entire community. Children and adults alike shall have access to books and computers. In cooperation with our partner organisation in Jamaica we will create a place to read, to learn, to discuss, to paint, to play drama, to explore talents and skills.
Education, self-esteem, and the development of personal skills is an important step towards a self-determined way of life. The appointed teachers and volunteers shall not only teach basic reading and computer skills, but also offer counselling and guidance and serve as positive role model for the youths.

We aim to provide the following courses:

- Reading
- Art and craft
- Drama, poetry and singing
- Basic computer skills, word, excel, email…
- Discussion and rhetoric
- Anti-violence programs and conflict management
- Movienights with discussion
- Parental advice
- Gardening
- Healthy cooking
- …

Click here to learn more about the problems Cassava Piece is facing