Laurens rafting on the Martha Brae River

By Laurens Vos, Country Director for the Netherlands

I recently had the honour to visit one of our newer destinations: Jamaica. When I told my friends, who know what kind of work I do, that I would be visiting Jamaica as one of our destinations, they all asked me what kind of voluntary work could there possibly be done since most people only really know the island as a holiday destination.

So I tried to tell them about the needs here in Jamaica and about the projects we have. But now that I have seen the needs in Jamaica, I can go back and tell them there is definitely more to this island than beaches, reggae and partying. I will tell them about the overcrowded schools, the many orphanages and the lack of proper water installations, all of which we at Projects Abroad try to make a difference to and we could not do this without our enthusiastic volunteers.

Volunteers like Kendall who worked in a children’s home, taking care of orphans like they were her own kids. Or Kelsey who taught boys under 14 how to play proper soccer. It was a joy to see some of you at work and please keep it up.

But indeed, I also have to tell my friends that you can properly enjoy yourself on this island as well. I was lucky enough to be in Jamaica when the monthly social event was on. We all went rafting on the Martha Brae River. Apparently the river was named after the couple that owned the lands back in the days, and funnily Martha was the male of the two. It was a relaxing ride down the river on the bamboo rafts. After this we went on another adventure: climbing the waterfall at Dunn’s River. It was truly breathtaking and an adventure I would not soon forget. Thanks for having me on board.

Did you know that Laurens is also a part-time model? Here he is working on his “blue steel” look at Dunn’s River

But, although that was great, it wasn’t the best part of my stay here. It was the kids at the different schools and orphanages with all their enthusiasm that took my mind back to my own voluntary days with Projects Abroad in South Africa. The kids are simply wonderful and eagerly awaiting to learn how to read proper English. Anyone who wants to come and help teach and work with these kids, please come and do so. You’ll be in excellent hands with Bridgette & Andrew. Thanks for having me.