I was introduced to the Children's Integrity Fund two years ago and featured their cause in this post. Since then, we've continued to support their efforts to educate the poorest of the poor in Jamaica. Being that they are based here in Atlanta, we are able to attend their local events and meetings which helps us feel connected to the cause.
On our trip last year to Jamaica (on the beach, in the villa and around the island), we made a stop in Trenchtown, to visit one of the fund's primary benefactors - the Operation Restoration Christian School:
School was not in session when we visited but we were able to meet some of the wonderful people who run the school:
This is the neighborhood:
These are roller skates:
Nearby the school, in what used to be one of grandest theaters in Kingston, the group conducts weekly worship for area kids. Here are some neighborhood kids coming to join in the sweet singing of hymns:
A volunteer leading the group:
We continued our tour of Trenchtown, kids in tow. We briefly questioned whether we should take our kids with us. Trenchtown is dangerous. This is the part of Jamaica made notorious by dancehall artists singing tales of the gunmen... but we stood firm in our belief that we do not want to shield our children from the realities of the world. It is only when we are truly made aware of reality that we are most inspired to make a difference:
When packing for our trip last year, I realized we needed to upgrade our luggage. Our old luggage had seen better days. Instead of giving it all away locally, I filled one suitcase with school supplies to deliver to the school on our visit. It was an easy way to make a difference.
If you're inspired to do the same on your next trip to Jamaica, or any other Caribbean island, I'd be happy to help you coordinate the drop off. Contact me here.
If you'd like to donate to the Children's Integrity Fund - go here.
Thanks for taking the time to read this post!
