Monday December 5 was recognized by the United Nations as International Volunteer Day (IVD).
In honor of IVD, members of VOLiNTEER (http://meridianserviceleaders.ning.com) engaged in a number of voluntary projects around the world.
In Kingston, Jamaica, Stella Maris Foundation coordinated service projects that sought to have an immediate and direct impact.
The team carried out the following activities:
1. Clean Up exercises - Two locations were selected for a cleanup - homes of select residents were visited and cleaned and painted.
2. Feeding (Grocery/Food Distribution) - Indigent and Needy residents who face hunger on a regular basis, were visited and presented with grocery packages
3. Early Childhood Outreach (Early Childhood Education/Interaction) - Volunteers visited an Early Childhood Institution (Little Angels Basic School - Grants Pen Road, Kingston) and spent time reading with, sharing stories and interacting with the children.
Participants/Volunteers included:
(a) Stella Maris Foundation's target populations of marginalized youth who are presently enrolled in programmes to improve their lives. They represent a population of individuals who are not normally asked to volunteer.
(b) Shortwood Preparatory School Brownies, lead by Community Resource Person and Teacher, Mrs. Andrea Hall.
(c) Stella Maris Foundation Staff divided into teams, with one team lead by Ms. Kisha Bhorasingh
Volunteers and clients benefitted tremendously from the experience. Over 80 persons were directly impacted, including approximately 30 Volunteers. The activities will continue as part of the Stella Maris Foundation’s ongoing work in the communities to assist in continued social & economic development as well as the promotion of goodwill.
