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We'd like to bring some school supplies next trip. What is most needed? Crayons, pencils, colouring books or just plain lined paper? I also have an old laptop (5 yrs or so) that works but won't hold a charge, so it needs to be kept plugged in. I don't use it anymore, would it be worth bringing for the shelter or a school?
Absolutely. Anything you bring is needed and greatly appreciated and will be put to good use. composition books are used a lot instead of plain lined paper, and besides that, children's workbooks, flash cards, children's books, and learning games are very much needed.
this may ruffle some feathers but to be honest the best way to help is to find out what is needed most first.Quote:
Originally Posted by 2nutz4travel
for example, looking at the recent Sandy catastrophe, good intentioned people gave tons of stuff- but not all of it was needed. bales and bales and bales of well intentioned stuff went nowhere.
while individuals giving to schools in need in Jamaica is nowhere near that level, and things will most definitely be put to use whatever is donated, consider linking up with an established org so that you are directly meeting exact needs. when planned in advance, you will be assisting meeting needs the best way possible and that is, after all, what it is about.
many people may not even realize that lots of kids don't even go to school- they can't afford to, uniforms, shoes, food/taxi money. Many children their one meal a day comes from the one they get at school, and I have even seen some try and save some of that to bring home for their mom or sibling. Buying a couple of uniforms and some shoes might be a better choice than hitting the dollar store. Also, I would urge you to spend your money locally, especially these days with luggage restrictions. Kids grow up, they need jobs. Mom and pop shops can't compete with big box etc shops here, now that free trade has basically roosted the world's exploitation in China until the next depressed work force gets enslaved, no haberdashery in jamaica can compete either. all the goods come from china anyway but consider the impact of your spend and ramifications thereof. Would you prefer to support the billions and billions aggragated to the Walmart family or ensure a couple of jobs locally.
buying a few sacks of rice may be what is most needed. or some bedsheets for an orphanage.
a closet full of crayons and notebooks is a great stock for a school to have, but if there are kids who can't afford to reach school regularly it puts those supplies in a different light doesn't it.
There is a great thread just last week where Father Jim from the St. Anthony Soup Kitchen goes into detail on what to bring and who to contact - give it a click!
http://negril.com/forum/showthread.p...ghlight=school
Rob - about how much $ does a school uniform cost for a child?
Very good question Cands, I'd like to know that as well. Also, how much does it cost to send a child to school for the year?
those guys are doing some awesome stuff.Quote:
Originally Posted by Rob
here's their facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/St-An...52226054817315
very good point,Monk and Rob
I don't remember directly the cost of a uniform...also depends on the age of the kid.Quote:
Originally Posted by Cands
some other costs also have some mitigating factors, but generally, ball parking some things, a typical student will need books and supplies, taxi, fees, etc.
"school fees 3500 per term
taxi 1200 per week
and lunch is for 850 per week an breaks is for 2ooo per week..."
some students will eat from the school cantina, and that may be the only meal they get for the day, often a rice porridge. some will try and eat only half and take some home. one or two days a week they may have some chicken back. some schools have it better than others.