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Day 4: Making Progress

Friday, April 19, 2013

Our service continued today, and we began to see the fruits of our labors. Bright colors stood out on cement walls, brightening the smiles of our group and the local people. Despite the physical toll, we were energized by the difference we were making in the local communities.


Finishing touches to the Bog Basic School.

Enjoying the new look of the school.

East Stroudsburg student Micky Martell (foreground)
and Moravian student Emilie Bortz paint Miss Helen's house.

Moravian student Charlotte Gallagher paints some trip in Miss Helen's house.

Moravian student Craig Bunting greets Miss Helen.
She and her family very much appreciated the work we did on her house.

Moravian students Nick Roberts, Graham Matthews, Craig Bunting, and Matt Richards,
 along with Jane Burcaw from the Seminary, help to tile a local school. 

Later on, a group made their way to a local school once more to spend some time with the children.  From singing songs with the children, to Duck, Duck, Goose, to Huggie Bear, a good time was had by all.

Learning and fun go together as students spend time with local school children.
We were also surprised today by a visit from Yvonne Clarke and Heather Murray.  Yvonne is Principal of Bethlehem Moravian College in Malvern, St. Elizabeth (http://www.bmc.edu.jm/), a local tertiary school akin to an American college.  Heather is Headmistress of The Hampton Girls' School (http://www.hamptonschool.edu.jm/), located in the same town, one of the premier girls' high schools in all of Jamaica.  In order to attend Hampton, girls must attain an 85 average (95 by US grading standards), across all subjects.  Graduates head to university throughout the world to continue their education.

The enthusiasm of both of these women in their efforts to bring education to even the most underprivileged was inspiring, and students spent a good deal of time asking questions about Jamaica's education system.  Many were amazed at the financial support given to education in a country with little to offer, especially when compared to the US system.  Our time with Yvonne and Heather left us with much to ponder.

About the Adventure

When: March 2-9, 2013
(Spring Break)

Where: Westmoreland, Jamaica

What: 12 Moravian College students plus another 6 members of the college and seminary community will participate in a week of community service in some of the poorest areas in the western region of Jamaica. The work projects for the week include painting an orphanage, two elementary schools, and a youth camping facility.

Schedule: Departure from the HUB at 1:00am on Saturday morning for a 6:00am flight on Caribbean Airlines from New York JFK International Airport. The first two days will provide opportunities to visit beaches, tour a typical tourist resort, and the option of worship on Sunday morning. Monday through Friday provides a routine for work projects in the mornings and early afternoons. Late afternoons include trips to the beach and other attractions, ending with evening reflection sessions. There will be campfires, climbing waterfalls, craft shopping at the market, and an abundance of Jamaican cuisine.

Blog Archives

• February 2013
• March 2013
• April 2013