Volunteer Sport Program
Jamaica has COVID-19 precautions in place that mean this program can't get the assistance it needs right now.
Jamaica is synonymous with sport. This tiny island nation has produced some of the best athletes in the world, from amazing cricketers to sprint stars Usain Bolt and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce. Involvement in sporting activities is very important to the people of Jamaica who are united through their love of sport and competition. Volunteers on this program will be working within local schools, to help facilitate sporting programs and teaching students about the concepts of good sportsmanship and self-esteem, essential tools and skills to help them in life. Volunteers with studies or experience in teaching, sports development, sports medicine or any related area are suitable for this program, or even those who simply have a love for sports, lots of enthusiasm and who like working with children. Jamaica is an amazing location to volunteer in, providing wonderful teaching opportunities, gorgeous beaches and places to visit, with plenty of opportunity to soak up its friendly Caribbean culture. Become a Love Volunteer today and put your sporting skills to the test in gorgeous Jamaica!
Goals of this Project:
- Improve the future prospects of children and youth in Jamaica
- Alleviate potential health and social issues by engaging children and youth in sport today, and developing a life-long love of sport and physical activity
- Provide free sports training to youth in sports such as soccer and help them to achieve their sporting goals
- Establish an understanding between different cultures
How You Can Help
Volunteers on this program provide support to teachers within established schools. Participants could work in different schools with various age groups including early childhood institutions (3-6 years), primary school (6-12 years), primary and junior high schools and high schools (12-18 years). Volunteers will work alongside a Physical Education teacher and assist with the sports being taught. This includes one or more of the following: athletics, football (soccer), basketball, netball and cricket - which are all very popular sports in the Caribbean. Volunteers will spend time working one on one with students to help their technique, give encouragement and support. They will also take groups of children for lessons, games and fun activities. Volunteers on this program do much more than simply teach sport – they’re imparting on youth the skills and love of a game, helping students play sports alongside their friends, to meet new people with similar interests and to engage in positive social activity outside of school hours. Students will also benefit from a greater cultural understanding from working alongside international volunteers. Volunteers learn valuable life skills, experience as a coach, teacher and facilitator, and gain a greater understanding of a different culture and the world in which we live. This program promises to feature loads of fun, laughter and quality time supporting children and youth.
Volunteers contribute in many ways and can expect to undertake the following tasks:
- Support sporting programs in local schools
- Teach students the skills to participate in sports
- Lead and organize activities
- Network with local school and program staff
Requirements
Love Volunteers welcomes all those 18 years and over who wish to help create a brighter future for children through the power of sports. This project is best suited to those who are either pursuing a career in the field of physical education, those who wish to explore an interest in this field, or those who simply wish to share the joy of sports with the next generation. As such, the project is open to all and does not require participants to have specific education, qualifications or experience, as you will be shown everything you need to know by one of local project leaders. Applicants must have a genuine willingness to help, be fit and active, show drive and initiative, and bring a positive 'can-do' attitude. If this sounds like you, we want you on the team!
Additionally, volunteers applying to join this program will be required to supply to following documentation:
- Emergency contact
- Police check
Project Location
As with all of our Jamaica volunteer programs, volunteers on this project will be based in the idyllic city of Mandeville. Situated in the heart of the island at 2000 feet above sea level, Mandeville is one of the more peaceful and attractive places on the entire island of Jamaica.
In days gone by, wealthy English settlers and expatriates favoured this part of the island, building impressive mansions and country homes here because the landscape reminded them of the countryside of their home countries. Today, a large number of the residents here are Jamaicans who have lived abroad for many years, usually in England, and who have returned to retire.
Thanks to this esteemed history, Mandeville is not only a booming business center and capital of the Manchester Parish, it is a contrast of the new and old set amidst rolling hills and lush vegetation. What a wonderful place to volunteer!
Start Dates & Duration
This project is available year-round and programs start every SUNDAY. Volunteers can choose to participate for periods ranging from 2 weeks to 12 weeks. Longer stays can be arranged directly with the local team, but will be subject to availability and individual visa conditions.
Spaces on this project are limited and therefore subject to availability. Early booking is recommended.
For current available start dates please check the calendar on the right.
Arrival & Orientation
Upon your arrival into Kingston or Montego Bay, you will be collected at the airport and delivered to your accommodation. Here you will receive an orientation to help you settle in, find out about your volunteering placement, the local surroundings and meet your fellow volunteers. A representative from the local team will fill you in on local and regional customs, traveling, rules and recommendations, and of course, what to expect from your volunteering experience. They will also provide you with your Welcome Pack, which contains maps of the local area, supplies, volunteer t-shirt, contact information, and a volunteer manual to help you to be more aware and fully prepared. This is a great opportunity to get to know your hosts, meet your fellow volunteers, and ask any last questions you may have.
- Program Arrival Day: SUNDAYS
- Program Departure Day: SATURDAYS
- Arrival/Departure Airport: Norman Manley International Airport, Kingston, Jamaica (Code: KIN) OR Sangster International Airport, Montego Bay, Jamaica (Code: MBJ)
Accommodation & Meals
Volunteers on this program will be accommodated with a local Jamaican host family, where they will have the opportunity to become fully immersed in the local culture and custom, improving their knowledge of the people, culture and language. Jamaican families are renowned for their hospitality and love to learn more about different cultures. Living with a local family truly is the best way to throw oneself into the local culture and to meet people who will often become lifelong friends!
All host families have been fully vetted by our local team, receive a detailed orientation and have extensive experience hosting international volunteers. Depending on the time of year it may be necessary to share a room with other volunteers, but private rooms are often available upon request. Volunteers will be provided access to a shared bathroom and laundry. Volunteers are responsible for doing their own laundry (machine wash or hand wash onsite) or can pay a small fee to cover the cost. Wifi is available at most host family houses, however we ask volunteers to remember access to this service is a privilege and may be limited at times. A range of internet cafes are available in Mandeville.
Host families will provide breakfast and dinner daily (including weekends). Lunch is not included but can be purchased at a nearby café while at your project site – a wonderful opportunity to check out the huge variety of local and international restaurants, cafés and bistros in Mandeville!
Fees
That’s just USD 103 per day* for:
*In addition to the program fees listed above a Registration Fee is payable to secure your place. The registration fee is USD 299 for those volunteering with Love Volunteers for the first time or USD 149 for any subsequent volunteer placements. The registration fee includes: lifetime LV Alumni Membership, fundraising support & advice, dedicated pre-departure support, certificate of completion (on request), and exclusive access to the LV Trip Planner.
Some things are not included in the program fees listed above, such as flights, visas, vaccinations, travel insurance, additional foods and snacks, spending money, local transport, in-country trips and excursions, return airport transfer (unless mentioned above).
Please note that prices are subject to change without notice. Please ensure you have read the Love Volunteers Terms and Conditions & Refund Policy.