Since St. Mary is considered the poorest parish on the island, we believe it is essential to get involved in the public elementary school system.
When we first partnered with the schools, we found qualified teachers who were working in terrible conditions: physically deteriorating classrooms, with limited desks, few supplies, and little financial support. Teachers were showing up every day to do their jobs, despite what most of us would consider less than motivating work conditions.
While we were saddened by the lack of resources, we were very encouraged by the quality and commitment of the teachers. We hoped we could make a difference in our community by improving the schools’ conditions and giving teachers support to in turn help the next generation of Jamaicans. And that's what we're doing.
We are partnered with two primary schools (that’s what they call elementary schools in Jamaica,) making a ten year commitment to each school. ACE helps with teacher training, school building and construction projects, and child sponsorship. Child sponsorship has proven to be a crucial step in truly transforming the lives of Jamaican children. Click here to learn more about child sponsorship opportunities.
Come Back to the Classroom
If you can read, write and do double -digit math, we’ve got a great job for you! Come invest in a child and experience his or her reading a paragraph all the way through for the first time, warming your heart with this unforgettable and impacting experience. If you are a professional educator, a retired educator, or someone who has a love for children and patience for tutoring, get in touch with us and come help.
Our goal at ACE is to see all our 6th graders graduate to a higher level of education. These students represent the future of Jamaica and our neighborhood. As the family and business leaders of the next generation, they can change the face of an impoverished country. We’ve adopted and committed to these students and their schools for 10 years.
But, we can't do it alone. We need volunteers. Will you help us? If so, please call Kelly Deushane, our stateside coordinator and she will set up you and your team to come down and help. It will make a difference in a child’s life…and your own.