Locals Can Participate in Diaspora Day of Service
By: May 31, 2024 ,The Full Story
Jamaicans resident in the island can volunteer their time and service at community projects organised by Diaspora groups on the Diaspora Day of Service, scheduled for Thursday, June 20, 2024.
The Diaspora Day of Service marks the conclusion of the Jamaica Biennial Diaspora Conference, slated for June 16 to 19, allowing attendees to take part in pre-arranged projects in communities across the island.
Speaking at a recent Jamaica Information Service (JIS) Think Tank at the agency’s head office in Kingston, Conference Chair, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the VM Group, Courtney Campbell, said that the Conference Secretariat will be releasing a list of projects to enable individuals to volunteer in areas aligned with their interests.
“We are creating numerous opportunities because the people in the Diaspora want to get involved in various areas in the Jamaican society and we will be publishing a list, ahead of time, so persons can select the projects they want to participate in,” he said.
State Miniter in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Hon. Alando Terrelonge, said that several Diaspora organisations have already submitted their project proposals.
He said that the initiatives range from refurbishing former schools or outreach centres by painting or assisting with computer labs to conducting community programmes and enhancing parks.
Mr. Terrelonge said there is “heavy interest on education and health” based on the registration of the community projects.
He urged individuals who have not yet registered their projects to get in touch with the Diaspora Secretariat at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade.
Persons can also visit the Ministry’s website at diasporaconferenceja.eventbrite.com. to complete the Day of Service registration form with details of their planned project or to confirm their interest in being a volunteer.