Help Jamaica! e.V.

HELP Jamaica! Centre

Cassava Piece, Kingston 8

Cassava Piece is located in uptown Kingston, not far from Constant Spring. 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 are currently establishing our first own education centre on the compound of the ‘Old Clinic’ on Cassava Piece Road. We have signed a long-term leasing contract for 10 years minimum. The building was damaged by a hurricane and has gone vacantly unused for many years. Here are some pictures of the building:

We will now 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 and to develop self-esteem and personal skills. We believe that developing such qualifications is an important preconditions for 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