Jamaica is a country situated in the middle of the Caribbean Sea. Declining economic conditions in the 1970’s has led to an increase in violent crimes, drug trafficking, and poverty. We are aiming to address the issues of violence, poverty, and education in the small villages of this country.
- Key Issues:
- High unemployment aggravates the serious crime problem, including gang violence that is fueled by the drug trade.
- Almost one out of every two Jamaicans who live in poverty is a child while only 37% of Jamaicans are children.
- Violence and abuse are serious problems; 91 children were murdered in 2005 and over 1600 people were murdered in all. That is approximately 5 murders a day.
- Poor educational outcomes, especially among boys, increase risks of inter-generational exclusion.
If you would like to learn more about the Jamaica, please view the following websites:
CIA World Factbook- Jamaica
World Health Org.- Jamaica
Projects:
Children’s Heritage Foundation has partnered with Pastor Michael Aiken of Jamaica in multifaceted youth development program.
The Foundation supported the Gideon Early Childhood and Education Center. The center provides a safe place where children and young adults receive mentoring and other educational skills that will last them a lifetime.
We also supported Victory Kids, an afterschool and Saturday program that is focused on positively influencing the lives of at-risk boys through sports, mentoring, leadership development, and other fun programs.
