Jamaica is well known for its sun-kissed beaches which make it a popular tourist destination. The country’s designation as a ‘middle income’ country masks the high levels of inequality in the island and the serious obstacles many people face in making a decent living.
Economic growth has stagnated since the 70s; there is high unemployment as well as crime and gang violence. Repeatedly, the country has been hit by storms and hurricanes.
Unemployment has risen to 12.4%, thus further limiting people’s opportunities to earn a living and support their families.
Jamaica has a crippling debt burden, ranked as the fourth highest globally. With debt repayment a priority, public funds are scarce, and the government is often unable to adequately support critical services like health and education.
The island’s susceptibility to natural disasters such as droughts and hurricanes means that each year livelihoods are at risk of being completely destroyed.
Our work
Christian Aid has worked in since 1991, we support our partners to respond to the issues that perpetrate inequality and prevent the poorest from lifting themselves out of poverty.
We work with deprived communities living in areas of high unemployment and violence in Kingston, creating job opportunities for young men as well as training for young people in conflict resolution.
We work to inform people about their rights and help those vulnerable to natural disasters to be prepared so their homes and livelihoods are protected, particularly in deprived rural areas.
Our partners
Children First gives young men living in the slums education and training opportunities which hopefully will offer them a future job and a stable income.
Jamaicans for Justice trains people about their rights (such as access to water, education, roads and social services and follows legal cases when human rights abuses have been committed.
WROC works in St Thomas, one of the poorest parishes in the country, offering farmers - especially women - viable economic opportunities so they can re-start their lives and are able to make a living and start up new businesses.
In addition, WROC, through an EC/Christian Aid funded project, is ensuring that communities who are repeatedly being affected by landslides, floods and mudslides are better prepared to face the risks by building check dams and planting trees.
Further links
Children First, a Christian Aid partner in Jamaica, has won a Michael Manley award for its outstanding work with children and young people.
Preventing disaster, how partners in the Caribbean help communities prepare for the hurricane season.
Partner links
Jamaicans for Justice
UTCWI
WROC Jamaica
