Council Of Voluntary Social Services, Kingston, Jamaica

Volunteerism in Jamaica has been built on a tradition of individuals and organizations forging partnerships within communities for a better quality of life and a more secure future.

Many have selflessly given time, shared resources and knowledge to build a better country, making invaluable contributions to every aspect of Jamaican life.

Promoting Partnerships

The National Registry of Volunteers (NRV) initiative is a collaboration of the Council of Voluntary Social Services (CVSS), the Environmental Foundation of Jamaica (EFJ), Social Development Commission (SDC) and the University of the West Indies (UWI), supported by several national organizations.

The National Registry of Volunteers will seek to develop a database that records and recognizes the contributions of those who give of their time and effort in service to others without expectation of personal and financial gains.

The overall objective of the NRV is to multiply human and financial resources as it strengthens and connects individuals and organizations that are dedicated to improving the lives of Jamaican citizens.

Ensuring Greater Networking

NRV will develop and maintain a network of volunteer service providers by:

Identifying and registering volunteers

Facilitating access to volunteer programmes for persons wanting to give service

Matching the right volunteer to the right programmes based on the available skills and stated needs

Facilitating international organizations wishing to give volunteer service in Jamaica

Expanding Jamaica’s volunteer corps

Increasing the support of volunteerism by youth and retirees

Encouraging a New Approach to Volunteerism

NRV will play a catalytic role in this new focus on volunteerism as it seeks to bring recognition to the sector. NRV will explore activities that:

Develop a charter governing the rights, responsibilities and conduct of volunteers and the voluntary sector

Establish systems of communication between participants in the sector

Set standards for good practice

Facilitate volunteer training and skills building

Identify best practices

Enable programmes that tap into the resources of the community and involve the corporate, non-governmental and public sectors of society

The Animal House, Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Founded in the 1990's because of serious concerns about the plight of animals on the northcoast of Jamaica, THE ANIMAL HOUSE JAMAICA has been helping stray, injured, abandoned, and feral (wild) animals and their owners for more than six years. We provide food, shelter, medical care (including spay and neuter), and adoptive services to both animals and owners in need.

The Animal House a non-profit, non-government organization that now operates a shelter in Lydford, St. Ann (just outside of Ocho Rios. The public
is welcome (by appointment) to visit the many cats and dogs available for adoption to good homes. Please call for an appointment or if you wish to make a donation to help the animals

People and families who have healthy relationships with their pets are usually happier, healthier and live longer. Children who learn how to nurture and care for their pets, also learn to care for other people as they grow older. Animals provide improved self-esteem and cognitive development.

Animals cannot tell us in their language when they are happy or unhappy, hungry, hurt or sick. So it is up to we humans to understand their needs. Animals need to be treated with care and respect

Unfortunately, many people do not understand what proper care of an animal really means, and many others cannot afford to care properly for their pets. Jamaican people commonly witness cruel treatment of animals, and over the generations some have even come to think that it is normal and okay.

Research shows us that young people who mistreat animals are more likely to become violent as adults and violence hurts our society.

Environmental Foundation Of Jamaica, Kingston

The Environmental Foundation of Jamaica was established to provide assistance to civic organizations trying to make a meaningful contribution to the environment and child welfare and development.

Jamaica Conservation And Development Trust Jcdt, Kingston, Jamaica

Jamaica Conservation and Development Trust JCDT work on Natural Health.

Unfpa Jamaica, Kingston, Jamaica

UNFPA has provided support to the Caribbean since 1969 and remains the largest international source of population assistance.

Over US$38 million has been furnished to Governments, NGOs and Civil Society in support of programmes and projects at both national and regional levels.