Where We Work

Caribbean:

Jamaica

INMED has maintained a presence in Jamaica since 2002, beginning with the Centers of Excellence for Teacher Training. Currently, INMED is implementing two major programs in Jamaica:

• IAMusic, a positive youth development and violence prevention project based on teaching at-risk youth music skills, and
• Lyrics for Life, a youth obesity prevention project, which also incorporates learning about nutrition and healthy lifestyles through music.

In Jamaica, the IAMusic program is being implemented in schools in the Trenchtown area of Kingston—the home of late reggae legend Bob Marley—in partnership with the Bob Marley Foundation, which is dedicated to empowering youth through mentoring and music, and to revitalizing the distressed Trenchtown community. Other local partners include the Organization of American States/Young Americas Business Trust and the Rotary Club of St. Andrew. The program has also been endorsed by Jamaica’s Minister of Education and Youth, Hon. Maxine Henry-Wilson, and by Jamaica’s ambassador to the U.S., Gordon Shirley.

The Lyrics for Life program is also being carried out in Trenchtown schools, with the Pan American Health and Education Foundation and the Ministry of Education as key partners.

Tobago

Having led the Centers of Excellence for Teacher Training program in Trinidad and Tobago since 2002, INMED is now supporting the Tobago Department of Education’s efforts to secure the long-term sustainability of this successful educational initiative through private sector partnership and participation.

To date, 14 schools have been equipped with basic materials and supplies, a learning library has been established and 150 teachers have been trained. Our newest project will expand the project to all 33 primary schools in Tobago and train the 600 teachers in those schools in best practices in literacy instruction.