Mandeville, Jamaica -- (SBWire) -- 12/04/2014 --In Jamaica, there are extremely wealthy people and also a large segment of poverty-stricken families. On the northern coast, where tourists come to visit, Jamaicans live in first-rate housing, have access to fine shops and imported goods, and enjoy a high standard of living.
Not far way, however, many Jamaicans natives live in unhealthy conditions, with poor housing and limited food supply as well as a lack of clean water, adequate healthcare and education. For these people, Projects Abroad Jamaica is doing its best to make changes for the better.
Projects Abroad http://www.projects-abroad.org is the world's leading international volunteer organization, with a staff of 600 and hundreds of projects underway. Bridgette Barrett, is the Country Director for Projects Abroad Jamaica and is heading up a program to build toilets for local schools.
"There are approximately 235 schools with pit latrines in Jamaica, and 40 in Central Jamaica," said Barrett. "This is far too many. Pit latrines are unsanitary for the children. This increases their risk of catching various diseases as well as getting skin rashes and infections."
"In addition, many of the pit latrines are unsafe. There are instances of children almost falling into pits and sexual molestation in the secluded areas of the latrines."
Working under the supervision of a local contractor, the volunteers for Projects Abroad Jamaica will provide all of the labor for building new toilets but funding is desperately needed for materials, electrical supplies, plumbing and paint. Barrett estimates that $30,000 USD will be required.
In order to generate this capital, she has launched an Indiegogo campaign, which can be viewed at www.indiegogo.com/projects/build-toilets-for-school-children-in-jamaica-part2
Donations of any amount are welcome. Backers who contribute $50 will receive an authentic Jamaican souvenir. For a $100 pledge, you'll receive a Bob Marley Jamaican T-shirt.
"In the United States, we take indoor plumbing and sanitary facilities for granted," noted Barrett. "But here in Jamaica, this is a very crucial need. Some schools do not have running water and if they do, the system that exists is either outdated or in need of urgent repair.
"Every child should have the right to a good education and not have to worry about not having a proper toilet facility."
For additional information, visit https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/build-toilets-for-school-children-in-jamaica-part2 or the Projects Abroad Jamaica Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/groups/projectsabroad.jamaica/?fref=nf
Barrett can be reached directly at bridgettebarrett@projects-abroad.org
Contact Name: Bridgette Barrett
Company Name: Projects Abroad Jamaica
Email Address: bridgettebarrett@projects-abroad.org
Website URL: http://www.projects-abroad.org/volunteer-destinations/volunteer-jamaica/
City: Mandeville
State: Manchester
Country: Jamaica
Phone Number: 876-962-5462
