Jamaica is an island in the West Indies, 90 mi (145 km) south of Cuba and 100 mi (161 km) west of Haiti. It is a little smaller than Connecticut. The island is made up of coastal lowlands, a limestone plateau, and the Blue Mountains, a group of volcanic hills, in the east.

Located in the Caribbean, Jamaica is the third largest island in the area, with 10,990 sq kilometers.

Jamaica was initially an Spanish settlements known as Santiago, which later passed to be a British colony until its independence in 1962; but still remain as a commonwealth realm with Queen Elizabeth as Monarch and head of state.

With an ethnic variety mostly composed by African descendant lineage, the country has a great cultural heritage. Mostly know for the Rastafari culture and its music, reggae, this country holds an unique cultural value with unique music, literature, cuisine and art.

The biological diversity is typical of the Caribbean tropics, with tropical rain forest at sea level and presence of a variety of animals, such as hutias, boars, tree frogs and and others. Local beaches are pristine water and white sand, where fishing is a main source of income for local families.

Most important contemporary development challenges in the country include high rates of rural poverty and inequality, poor environmental awareness and gender inequality. The local economy highly depends on tourism, which has decreased in the last years, jeopardizing the local growth and limiting the few development options available in the area.

IMPROVING SCHOOL INFRASTRUCTURE IN JAMAICA 

If you could help improve Jamaica's future, would you?

Education is the unique opportunity for the Kids to growth, for years, more than 50% of the Jamaican government’s budget has been committed to debt servicing, leaving behind precious little to maintain the sector and even less to improve it. Consequently, many of the core problems of the education system have not been addressed. The result is that many of our children continue to fall through the cracks through no fault of their own.

Reto Juvenil believes that sustainable development requires a good education quality, Spanish Town Primary School it’s our goal.

Spanish Town School attended 2.253 students yearly and its located in Spanish town , The history of Spanish Town is rich and full of culture, Once the Largest city in Jamaica as well as its capital Spanish Town was the hub of all trade and commerce. Spanish Town is still the first city in Jamaica. From its foundation Spanish Town became the center of Jamaican life and history. A lively commercial route was organized under Spanish administration, between Jamaica, Spain and other Spanish territories. In addition to the commercial activities that went on in Spanish Town, a formal political structure was established under Spanish government.

Projects that have a self-sustaining component are chosen over similar projects that do not. The number of projects funded is based on the amount of money collected within the collection period prior to the Project.

• Build and repair classrooms
• Painting 
• Build Sidewalks
• Health and Dental Care Campaign

• Life Skills
• Youth Leadership
• Earth Charter

Since 1991, Reto Juvenil has been working to improve the life quality of the people of Central America. In collaboration with local communities and partner regional and international organizations, we execute programs that answer to community-identified needs and contribute to long term development visions. Nevertheless, RJI prevents creating dependence in the communities, but rather wishes to empower each one so that after some interventions they can take their development process in their hands and RJI can continue their work in another community.

In general, the areas in which Reto is currently involved in the communities are the following:

Click below to learn more about the countries where RJI is currently working and which are our main areas of impact:

Latin America

The Caribbean

Trinidad and Tobago is an archipelagic state in the southern Caribbean, lying in the northeastern coast of Venezuela. The country covers an area 5,128 square kilometers and consists of two main islands, Trinidad and Tobago, and numerous smaller landforms. It was ceded to Britain in 1802 under the Treaty of Amiens and obtained independence in 1962, becoming a republic in 1976.

The biological diversity of Trinidad and Tobago is unlike that of most other Caribbean islands, and has much in common with Venezuela. That biodiversity is distributed through many ecosystems: coastal and marine (coral reefs, mangrove swamps, open ocean and seagrass beds), forest, freshwater (rivers and streams), man-made ecosystems (agricultural land, freshwater dams, secondary forest), and savanna.

Most important contemporary development challenges in the country include high rates of rural poverty and inequality, poor environmental awareness and gender inequality.

• Environmental education programs.
• Gender and women empowerment initiatives.
• Educational infraestructure in rural communities.

• Belmont, Port Spain.
• Benbow, Port Spain.

Guyana was a former colony of the Dutch and, for over 200 years, of the British. It is considered a paradise for nature lovers, and adventure seekers because of its amazing combination of natural beauty, Amazonian rainforests, and wildlife that blends with a vibrant indigenous culture and rich heritage.

More than 80% of Guyana is still covered by forests, ranging from dry evergreen and seasonal forests to montane and lowland evergreen rain forests. These forests are home to more than a thousand species of trees. Guyana's tropical climate, unique geology, and relatively pristine ecosystems support extensive areas of species, rich rain forests and natural habitats.

After a period of exceptionally strong economic performance, Guyana’s growth has stagnated since 1998. The long decline into an economic twilight exacted a high cost, social as well as economic. Most important contemporary development challenges in the country include poor environmental awareness, bad water and sewerage systems, limited access to health, low levels of education, corruption and gender inequality.

• Environmental education programs.
• Gender and women empowerment initiatives.
• Educational infraestructure in rural communities.

Suriname is a beating heart of the Amazon. Its warm landscapes portray a dense convergence of rivers that moves with the lively rhythm of ethnic diversity. From Paramaribo, the country’s Dutch-colonial capital, to the jungles of the interior, descendants of escaped African slaves, Dutch and British colonialists, Indian, Indonesian and Chinese indentured laborers and Amerindians an incredible mix of cultures and traditions.

Organized welfare programs are conducted largely by private initiative, through ethnic or religious associations. However, the government has begun to establish a social welfare system designed eventually to include a free national health service. Opportunities for women remain limited as a result of traditional attitudes that encourage women to stay at home. Also, Amerindians in Suriname have traditionally played only a limited role in decisions affecting their land and culture. Although Suriname's human rights record has improved, some abuses continue to be committed.

• Environmental education programs.
• Gender and women empowerment initiatives.
• Educational infraestructure in rural communities. 

• Paramaribo
• Pueblos Kaliña
• Pueblos Lokono

Project Summary:

Tourism is one of the fastest growing industries in the global economy. Ecotourism, a sector of the larger tourism industry, focuses on protecting natural ecosystems while bringing benefits to local communities. To be sustainable, ecotourism projects must be carefully managed so that visitors do not damage isolated natural areas and cultures. Projects must be continually monitored to ensure they are run sustainably. This project establish a community-based ecotourism project, located around Parque Internacional La Amistad, an international biosphere shared by Panama and Costa Rica. We will be working within a indigeneous peoples. The Ngöbe Bugle peoples have been working in this ecotourism project, developing a balance way of life, maintaining the original culture and habitats of their ancestors, but looking for opportunities to improve the incomes without neglecting their natural resources and Culture.

Volunteer work:

You will help in trail maintenance, cleaning areas, conservation programs.

Location:

Stretching from Costa Rica and encompassing most of the province of Bocas del Toro in Panama, the bi-national site of La Amistad/Bocas del Toro connects high mountains, low-lying wetlands, mangrove islands and coral reefs.  In the northwestern part of Panama.

Accommodation and Food

We will be leaving at the local School. No Electricity only Solar Panel.

Travel Arrangements and Transportation

Booking air travel to your destination is your responsibility, but we are more than happy to help you as needed. For domestic traveling and specific logistics RJI will provide the respective information at the time.

Dates, Duration and Participation:

Requirements

Spanish is desired but not mandatory. The most important requirement its to bring a positive attitude, be willing to get involved in our Central America culture. You must love the outdoors and not mind working in any weather, be easy going and be able to work alongside the local community. Much of your time will be spent with the local families.  Be ready to enjoy this experience... Welcome!

Program Costs

Nicaragua is widely considered the 2nd poorest country in Central America and the Caribbean next to Haiti. Political instability, corruption and inefficient governance have created poverty conditions and stalled development progress. At the same time, Nicaragua is a country rich in natural resources, friendly people, beautiful beaches and volcanoes.

Project Summary

The project in Nicaragua is located in the province of Matagalpa in north region. Matagalpa is in the heart of the coffee-growing and milk production region of Nicaragua. RJI partners with local NGO and work together to create economic development opportunities for the communities in the area and improve nutrition in the communities of the area. There is a nutrition program in the local school, were vegetables gardens are being created to improve nutrition in children from the communities of Matiguas. The school was built by Reto Juvenil volunteers.

Volunteer work:

You will have the opportunity to participate in the nutrition program in creating and maintaining vegetables gardens in the local school to improve nutrition level in children; as well as teaching English or other languages, and basic literacy.

Location:

The projects are located about 4 hrs drive from Managua to Matagalpa province.  

Accommodation and Food

You will live in a room close to the school, with running water but no electricity. You will enjoy typical Nicaraguan food (rice, beans, vegetables, fruits). Breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided by the community members.

Travel Arrangements and Transportation

Booking air travel to your destination is your responsibility, but we are more than happy to help you as needed. For domestic traveling and specific logistics RJI will provide the respective information at the time.

Dates, duration and participation

•    Individual or group volunteer (minimum 6)
•    Duration 1 to 8 weeks
•    Age 18+

General Requirements

Spanish is desired but not mandatory. The most important requirement is to bring a positive attitude, be willing to get involved in our Central America culture. You must love the outdoors and not mind working in any weather, be easy going and be able to work alongside the local community as much of your time will be spent with the locals and families and finally  be ready to enjoy this experience.

Program Costs

Nicaragua is widely considered the 2nd poorest country in Central America and the Caribbean next to Haiti. Political instability, corruption and inefficient governance have created poverty conditions and stalled development progress. At the same time, Nicaragua is a country rich in natural resources, friendly people, beautiful beaches and volcanoes.

Project Summary

Volunteer work:

Location:

Accommodation and Food

Travel Arrangements and Transportation

Dates, duration and participation

General Requirements

Program Costs

Honduras has a rich and distinctive culture from the long mix of elements from Spain and the native Maya people. Its diverse history and the natural beauty of the land have created a destination rich in interesting and scenic sites. Honduras is the second biggest country in Central America and its population exceeds 8 million habitants.

Similarly to other countries in Central America, Honduras has experienced much political, economic, social, and cultural strife through its history. With a rich Mayan and other indigenous heritage, the people have struggled with oppressive leaders who have had external interests in mind instead of their own people.

Most important contemporary development challenges in Honduras include accentuated poverty in rural communities, poor health and nutrition, gender inequality and poor public infrastructure.

Currently, RJI is working or hopes to start operations soon in the next communities:

• Tela
• Parque Nacional Jeanette Kawas