The Problem: the schools that partner with Great Shape! Inc. report a 40% literacy rate.
The Solution: Great Shape's SuperKids
The Need: certified teachers, computer tech's, coaches, artists, musicians, people who just like to work with kids.
Volunteers improve literacy through a curriculum and resources in reading, computers, art, music and sports. Volunteers without teaching credentials are placed with certified teachers in rural schools outside Negril in vairous helping roles. There is a $700 project fee. We love our volunteers!
iCare Vision Project - Seeing Is Believing
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- for more information.
2011 Project: Took care of 3,000 + patients
The Problem: in Western Jamaica, there are NO public Optomotrists and very limited Ophthalmology services.
The Solution: Great Shape's iCare program
The Need: eye doctors and people who love the idea of service (we'll train you for your volunteer spot)
Great Shape! Inc, partners with VOSH- Northwest and other independant eye professionals to facilitate a vision project in Western Jamaica where the cost of a pair of glasses is over a month's pay for the average Jamaican. iCare volunteers provide eye exams, surgery referrals, and thousands of eyeglasses and sunglasses. There is a $700 project fee. All are welcome to join!
1000 Smiles - The world's largest, international humanitarian dental project!
2011 Projects: Over 6 week, treated 7,500 patients plus taught students in 30 schools
The Problem: in rural Jamaica, there is just one dentist for every 100,000 people!
The Need: dental pro's, dental equipment tech's, and people who have a heart to serve (we'll train you and put you to work).
The Solution: Great Shape! Inc.'s 1000 Smiles.
Every fall, teams serve in rural areas of Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, and Whitehouse. Volunteers provide free dental care and dental hygeine education, including cleanings, extractions, sealants, tooth brushes and paste. Crews come from around the world; proudly representing Canada, U.S., Jamaica, Africa and Norway. There is a $700 project fee. Thanks to you all!
Read Our Volunteer BLOG!
Great Shape! volunteers report on all of the projects, plus all the most current "daily runnings." If you have Great Shape stories, events or pictures you’d like to post or pitch to the media,
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.
BIG-UP FOR THE SANDALS FOUNDATION and SANDALS RESORTS INTERNATIONAL!
Sandals Foundation, the charitable arm of Sandals Resorts International is Great Shape’s number one sponsor, hosting all the volunteers at no charge. Book your next vacation at Sandals, tell 'em "Great Shape! sent me."
From a base of Sandals comfort, volunteers serve in areas surrounding Ocho Rios, Montego Bay, Whitehouse and Negril. Heidi Clarke with the Foundation says, "There is great need in this world for people to give back. The common goal for us is always about helping to better people's lives. Great Shape! Inc. helps us accomplish that goal." The Jamaican owned company donates $800,000 USD in accomodations and staff support for the volunteers each year.
