Jamaica, 2009

Musician Macka B, sings," The richer get richer the poorer get poorer; The gap between the rich and the poor get wider; Some people just want all the power.” And yet, hope still exists in communities where crime is rampant, drug use, human trafficking and extortion reflect the desperation of the economy, and where extreme poverty exists, reflected in Buju Banton’s song entitled “Destiny,” whose chorus rings, “I and I, I wanna rule my destiny.”

This profound gap between rich and poor makes it difficult, if not impossible, for those caught in poverty to get ahead. The economy is based largely on tourism, in addition to bauxite production and sugar – all of which take a hit when hurricanes ravage the island, or news of civil unrest hits the airwaves.

Nearly half of the head of households are single women struggling to meet the economic needs of their families. Children are shuffled between families and friends, and with no permanent home, receive a sporadic education at best.
Many children – especially boys, drop out of school and live on the streets due to poverty and lack of parental leadership. This only perpetuates the promiscuous behavior of men and the objectification of women.

Other youth – some as young as 10-15 years old, work to help support the family income or their own schooling, and many working children give up their schooling entirely. Without an education, living on the streets, or living a life of servitude, they fall prey to human trafficking, prostitution, or unsafe sexual practices, putting them at risk for HIV/AIDS.

For other children, frustrated at the shrinking economy and the lack of jobs available, the high unemployment rate only intensifies gang violence and civil unrest. And those who receive an education and have the means often move elsewhere, leaving the country without the skills and professions it needs to turn the country around. Still, patriotism for their country makes them want to return; they just lack the confidence that they can do it by themselves.

By supporting the schools in Jamaica, Outreach International hopes to give children the confidence and skills needed to escape poverty and give them a voice in their future. Because, if you ask them – they have a lot to say about childhood, family life, and their challenges and hopes. Outreach International believes that they – like adults – know the most about those issues and can create their own solutions. With an education and the skills to share their voice, we believe they can.