Spring Break in Jamaica
Hart School of Hospitality, Sport and Recreation Management
SUMMARY: Students from JMU spent spring break in sunny Jamaica, volunteering for a local primary school while soaking up the culture.
by Emeka Anaza
During Spring Break in March, 11 students from various JMU schools, including the Hart School for Hospitality, Sport, and Recreation Management, traveled to Treasure Beach, Jamaica, to work with schoolchildren at the Sandy Bank Primary School. Their trip was organized by Volunteer In Jamaica Opportunity Network (VIJON).
“We served Jamaican children in need and embraced their beautiful culture during our spring break,” says Emeka Anaza, an assistant professor in the Hart School. “We got to live simply and help educate primary school children while leaving a positive mark on Treasure Beach.”
The students and Anaza, who went as their Learning Partner, helped teach students in first through sixth grade, as well as playing and teaching tennis, soccer and basketball. They also brought books and sport and recreation equipment to give to the school, which is underfunded and understaffed.
“While we did work for 10 hours a day, we also had the opportunity to immerse ourselves into the culture of Jamaica,” Anaza says. “We had the best of Jamaican foods, experienced breathtaking natural attractions and life-changing social experiences. This experience was filled with hard work, teaching and playing with active school children, as well getting to experience the Jamaican culture.”
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