February 9, 2010
Sarina Bertozzi
 Overall
I can speak on behalf of all of us in saying that this Early Childhood Education experience has been positively life changing
and amazing! The people we met, children we worked with, food we ate, music we listened to, etc. Each child and staff member, including
myself, brought something new and different to the table to be shared, talked about and explored. I do not even know where to
begin when speaking about all that I have learned in the last month. This truly was a partnership between George Brown College and Jamaica
as we learned from each other and worked towards a common goal. Many new faces to see, names to exchange and memories to build. All
this and a load of knowledge has been brought back with us to Canada and has also impacted the lives of many in Jamaica. We had a goal,
we had
an action plan, we had dedication, support, determination and with all this, WE DID IT!!!
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February 4, 2010
Sue Park
 It's
hard to believe that it's over! It feels like it was only yesterday that I was saying goodbye to my loved ones and repeatedly
assuring them that I'm going to be fine. It's funny how time has gone by so fast, yet somehow i feel as though I've worked at McCam
Child Development Centre for years. I wouldn't even know how to begin to describe how incredibly lucky I feel, to have had
the opportunity to be a part of the Jamaica Team. The lessons, the connections, the memories and the some of the friendships I've made
on this trip will last me a life time. It's always sad to leave a placement in Toronto but to leave McCam is truly heartbreaking. As
grateful as McCam is to George Brown College and the Jamaica Team for all the resources that we were able to bring, I'm am eternally
grateful to them as well. The family at McCam along with the children welcomed me with open arms and have taught me so much about myself. On
the last day I remember hugging everyone at least 3 times and never wanting to let them go. I seriously considered kidnapping a few of them
and putting them in my suitcase ... until I realized that I couldn't pick and choose who to bring, so I scraped that idea and I'm
still working on a plan B. If there is anyone reading this and is trying to decide whether or not to join the team my advice is to join. It's
honestly A LOT of work but at the end you'll realize how much of a difference you've been able to make and how lucky you feel to
be apart of it. This
is a once in a life time opportunity and you definitely don't want to miss out!
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January 28, 2010
Rosie Lucadamo
 Wow, I can't believe there is only one more day of placement in Jamaica left to go! Being able to spend a month in this beautiful country has truly been an amazing experience. Working and playing with the children and staff at Shortwood Practicing School has been rewarding in so many ways. The love & affection, hugs, kisses, and smiles reminded me that I have created a significant impact in the children's lives. To see the appreciation in their eyes as I brought in new toys and materials each week made me realize how important this year's team efforts have been and all of our hard work has payed off in more ways than we ever knew it would. My time in Jamaica has left such an imprint in my life that will be with me forever.
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January 27, 2010
XingMei Annie Zhou
 There are only three days left before I have to leave this beautiful country. I like Jamaica, even I got sun burnt and now I look very tanned. It’s extremely difficult to say goodbye to those beautiful, amazing children in Naggo Head Infant school since we are getting along so well with each other. We have a lot of good times while we are running around the play field and doing my activities. They really enjoy my activities and want to stay outside as long as possible. The children are very engaged and eager to learn new things. I wish I would have enough time to finish all my Story box and Math box activities with these children. I am thankful for the teachers and schoolmates respect and the support that I have received during the days I have been here. I am thankful for my home stay mother Mrs. Morgan who takes care of us as if we were her own daughters. I will not forget her delicious Jamaican food.
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January 26, 2010
Twyla Downie
 This experience has meant so much to me since the very first day I found out I was a part of the team. Being here in Jamaica at Shortwood Practicing Infant School has been an amazing opportunity and experience. The children have touched my heart in ways I never knew existed. Everyday I wake up excited to see their smiling faces, they are always so eager to learn and try new things. The staff at school have been warm and inviting since the day I stepped through the doors. I am saddened by the fact that in 3 days I am leaving to go home; time has gone by so fast. The entire experience has changed me in ways I am so grateful for, when I get back home and start my life I will always remember the early morning devotion, the children running to the door when I leave not wanting me to go and the partnership I have made with my teacher and parents. Those things I will never forget and will be imprinted on my heart for a life time. I am thankful to the Jamaican culture for allowing me to live like I've never lived before and making me a well rounded human being that goes home more humble, more grateful and most of all more loving towards mankind.
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January 24, 2010
Saroj Murthy
 Wow! Time has flown; I can't believe that we only have one week left. I remember when I first got here I was worried that I didn't bring enough materials with me, I thought that I was going to have a hard time coming up with activity ideas. Now looking at the few days that I have left I wish I had more time. There are so many things that I want to do and materials that I have yet to bring into the school.
My teacher and I have really started to feel like a team this past week and I will never forget our time working together. Working at Cedar Grove has given me new respect for the work that teachers do and I am thankful to all of the staff for this learning experience. I am thankful for the beautiful weather and all the amazing people who take care of me. Most of all I am thankful for the children that I am able to work with who challenge and inspire me everyday.
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January 22, 2010
Sara Scharnitzky
 This week we had the opportunity to sit in on classes with the students from Shortwood Teacher's College. The first class I attended was a debriefing of some first year student's observation week. It was quite inspiring to be among the future teachers of this country. Their ideas and insights were amazing. Great change is on it's way!
Next up was music class. We learned some Jamaican circle songs/games that I took back to my basic school with great success. Then it was dance class! One hour just isn't enough time to get rhythm into my veins. It was so much fun to try though and we certainly entertained the students!
A few of us then headed to science, a few to math and a few to ethics.
It was a great experience getting a glimpse of how Jamaican teachers are trained.
With only one week left of placement, I am trying to prepare to say good-bye to all the incredible children I've been so lucky to meet. They don't have a text book for this part...
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January 22, 2010
Misa Tokunaga
 I can not believe that I have been in Jamaica almost 3 weeks! I felt that the day would never come that I would go to Jamaica, but time has gone so fast since I came to Jamaica! My first impression was hot and humid! However, it is funny that even 20C makes me to feel cold now! My worst experience is more than 50 mosquito bites even though I use bug spray and a bug net at night time! However, my best memory in Jamaica is climbing Dunn's River Falls! Although I felt that there was no way that I would be able to climb up the falls, all members of the team tried to help me and it worked! It made all of the team bond with each other because we all held hands to climb all the way up together! The Falls and the ocean beside the falls was amazing! A lot of green and blue! It felt like in the picture!
Yesterday, the driver Mr. Simpson picked all members up in the early morning, and we all took 5 classes (I took Religious Education, College English, Music, Dance, and Math) at Shortwood Teachers' College. There are no dance or music classes at George Brown, so it was a great experience! In the music class, we made up sounds of musical instruments with our bodies from words of a story. For example, I expressed the sound of a heart beat by drum.
I have been enjoying my time at Ascot Basic School, my placement with all children and Practitioners. Whenever I go through the gate of the school, many children from my room call me “Misaaaaaa!!!!.” They come out, and give me big hugs everyday! When I leave school, children also give me big hugs and say, “Are you coming back?” Children enjoy my activities and new toys. Whenever I show new materials, they open their eyes bigger! It took a lot of time to prepare all my activities, but I am really happy whenever I see the children's happy faces when they are using them.
I can not believe that I have to say “Bye” in 10 days to all people who I have met in Jamaica especially the children in my room! I am still bringing what I have learned in Canada and take what I have been learning in Jamaica towards my future experience. This experience has made me strong and I think differently. I will enjoy the rest of the days in Jamaica!
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January 22, 2010
Monique Alexander
 Were
now at the end of the third week. I cannot believe how quickly time flies. I'm dreading the goodbyes. The children are amazing and
eager to try new things. I've come to be so comfortable, I feel like a teacher. To think I was so nervous coming here, the children
and teachers have embraced me so much. I look forward to devotion every morning when the children sing songs, their national anthem
and pray; it is an experience new to me but one I have embraced fully with my heart because to see the faces of all the children
is priceless. This is one of my best experiences and the people here have left an imprint in my heart forever, I will never forget
them. Even though I came here to lend a helping hand, I've learned and grown so much personally and professionally within the last
three weeks. I walk away from this experience more confident, grateful and filled with love.
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January 21, 2010
Natalia Ribeiro
 Nelson Mandela said, "education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world". The opportunity that I have been given to be on the Jamaica project has allowed me to put Mandela's inspirational message into practice in an environment that is very different than my own. Being able to work in partnership with both the GBC faculty and the Aintree Basic school teachers and families towards making a difference in the children's lives, has been a rewarding experience that has allowed me to grow and develop both on a professional and personal level.
At Aintree Basic School, my experience with the children, families, staff and community has been nothing but a positive one. Although my peers and I face daily challenges, these challenges are achievable obstacles that enable us to test our own skills, to take risks, and push us outside our comfort level towards being the best that we can be.
So far, my days in Jamaica have been emotionally moving and filled with thought, adventure, laughter and joy. Locally, I feel welcomed by the people in the community. As a group, we have built supportive relationships with teachers and friends that we can now call our Jamaican family. My experience with the children has been filled with smiles, love, and natural curiosity, including the children's interest in my camera!
So far, my homestay has been nothing but my home away from home. Ms. Audrey spoils us with pancakes in the morning and desert after dinner and I must say her cooking is delicious and I am going to miss it when I am gone. The opportunity to live like a local in a Jamaican community has changed me in a positive way. Not only has it allowed me to develop an interest in Jamaican culture but it has also allowed me to develop an appreciation for a culture outside of my own.
To those of you back home, I challenge you to challenge yourself to make a positive difference in the life of another individual, regardless of how, insignificant it may seem. For as Lynn Wilson says, it is the "power of one" that leaves a positive imprint and changes the world.
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January 21, 2010
Malinda Mota
 I cannot believe our journey here on this beautiful island is half over! Time is definitely flying by. I am trying to take advantage of every minute we have left and have been taking lots and lots of pictures, in an attempt to remember all of the amazing experiences I have had. Our time living at Shortwood Teachers’ College has come to an end and we are all experiencing little bit of separation anxiety. Our team has become to close in the last two weeks, making it so hard to go our separate ways. Today is our third day in our home stay arrangements and I could not feel more at home. Our home stay mother Ms. Sinclair and her daughter Janelle are so welcoming and have made us feel like a part of their family. It will be extremely difficult to say goodbye to them and to the wonderful children and staff from Ascot Basic School. I never thought that such strong bonds and relationships could be built in such a short amount of time. Although I do miss my daily Tim Hortons coffee and hot morning showers, I would give it all up in exchange for the many life changing experiences I have had here. I am so thankful to have had this opportunity and I know that I will return to Canada a better friend, roommate and above all a better teacher.
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January 19, 2010
Marieke Robinson
 Wow! I still cannot believe that I am in Jamaica. The past two weeks here have been amazing! There are literally no words to describe this experience and how it has impacted me. All I can really say is that I am in love with Jamaica! The weather, the food and the children are amazing! I only wish I could stay longer. I have two more weeks in Jamaica, and I intend to live every day to the fullest, learning and building strong, lasting relationships with my teachers and the children at my school. As the last line of the national anthem goes, "Jamaica, Jamaica, Jamaica land we love", and Jamaica truly is a land that I have come to love.
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January 17, 2010
Kristina Woollard
 So it's our second weekend in Jamaica, and it's hot!
Yesterday we went to Dunn's River Falls, which was amazing. The falls are so beautiful, and climbing was such a great experience. When we arrived some of us rented water shoes and then we walked down to the beach where we would start our climb. The water was so cold, but very refreshing! We all held hands while going up the falls, which was really helpful during the steeper parts of the climb. It felt wonderful when we reached the top, knowing we worked as a team to get there!
Today was the day where we all left each other to go off to our homestays. It was an emotional day, knowing we wouldn't see everyone, and be in a big group anymore. However, it's very exciting to be in a new environment! There are three other girls, and myself at our homestay. My homestay Mom is so sweet, and made us a big lunch with chicken, rice and a salad, it was delicious! I am also very lucky, because our homestay is in walking distance of our placement at Cedar Grove Basic School.
Tomorrow will be the start of a new week at placement with the children. The children are absolutely amazing! They are so loving and excited to learn. They are always eager to see what I have brought in the morning, and say "Auntie Kristina, can I help you?" It's nice to have little helpers in the morning, after waking up so early!
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January 13, 2010
Joan McLean
 I have been here for eleven days now and I can’t believe how fast the time has gone by. It is my first time in Jamaica and it’s extremely breathtaking. The children at Shortwood Practicing Infant School are so enthusiastic and loving; everyday I am greeted with smiles and hugs. With only three days left until we go to homestay I am anxious but saddened when I think about leaving the 17 wonderful girls I have lived with these past two weeks. So far this has been a rewarding experience that I will always remember.
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January 12, 2010
Ellisha Blair
 Everyday
something new amazes me! It was my first time flying and I think this is a wonderful place to come for the first time. Everything is beautiful,
the mountains, the trees, and all the people. We have been welcomed with open arms and everyday the kindness keeps growing.
I am one week in to
my placement and the children are amazing and bright. Every morning I walk in to warm smiles and hugs. They love all the activities
I have brought and are excited everyday to try something new. My teacher, Ms. Francis, is wonderful; she has supported me everyday
and has really welcomed me into a team of teachers.
At the beginning of my second week, I can tell time is flying by. I know I am going to miss
Jamaica and its beauty, but mostly the wonderful, kind, and generous people I have met here who I will carry in my heart forever.
I know I will always have friends in Jamaica.
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January 10, 2010
Claire Bennett
 Hellloooo everyone from stunning JA!! Today is cloudy and humid and I think that there might be rain later today. Other than today the skies have been sunny and the air has been hot, perfect weather for our day at the beach yesterday. This morning we went to mass at the Boulevard Baptist Church after a delicious breakfast of ackee, saltfish, cabbage, dumplings and green banana. The mass was wonderful and we were welcomed with open hearts by the Reverend and the congregation. After mass, we came back to Shortwood for lunch and did some laundry in the sinks provided here. Our free time later today will be spent on preparing for our school day tomorrow.
So far, our time here in Jamaica has been amazing. Personally, I think this week has been the most eye opening and life changing for me. I know that you all may hear that a lot but I whole-heartedly feel that way after being here for only one week. Everything is so different and new to me, the environment, the food, the extreme kindness and generosity of the people here (especially the staff at Shortwood), and the beautiful children full of curiosity and ready to learn. I love this place already and I am so thankful for the experience that I have had so far. I am so grateful for the relationships that I have been building with the team of girls that I am living with right now. We are such an incredible team and work so well together, supporting one another after our days at school. I can’t wait for another week at Aintree Basic School and to share all of my new activities for the week with the children!
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January 7, 2010
Chelsea Keenan
 I got here on January 3, 2010 at about 11 and by the time we got to Shortwood and ate and got in to bed it was about 2 am and then I had to be
back up at 6 a.m. as we had a day of adventures ahead of us. We started off at the Mc Cam Center. The Mc Cam center is an early learning center
that is for children 3 months to age 6 and children with special needs. It’s the only center of its kind on the island. Then we headed off
to the University of West Indies and had a tour of the grounds and then had lunch at the Dudley Grant Centre. That night we had a meeting about
our placement and what we could expect (nothing prepares you for what is coming your way!)
The drive to my placement is about 45 minutes. The drive itself really opens your eyes to see how people live and how they get by in their everyday
life. You really get to see how little money they have by where they live and how they live.
When I got to my placement there were goats outside the gates to the school! All staff were very welcoming and all the children were coming to
say hello to me and wanted me to play with them. All the children were touching my skin and wanted to touch my hair. They all loved my camera
and wanted me to keep taking their pictures. My first day was very overwhelming with all the children wanting my attention. When I went outside
with the children were all running around and wanted me to run with them.
On my second day the children were very happy to see me and I was very happy to see them. I brought a ball in and all the children wanted to
play with the ball. We played a game where the children were throwing the ball into a tire.
The children are so fun! I am having so much fun and I can’t wait to see what else is going to come my way!
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January 7, 2010
Christine Brown
 Jamaica!! It is hard to believe that we are finally here, we have been planning so long for this, it
seemed like it was never going to come. Arriving in Kingston was great, and Mr. Simpson, the bus driver from Shortwood Teachers’ College,
drove us to the school. Although it was late at night, the drive and view from the airport was spectacular. I have never seen such a gorgeous
country to live in. Monday we were taken to the University of the West Indies and the McCam Centre and we got a chance to eat Jamaican
food; it was really a great experience. Our first day at school on Tuesday was interesting, the school was different from what
I had anticipated, it was a great day. My co-operating teacher is very supportive and flexible with my schedule. The food at the school
is very traditional. The staff and Principal are very welcoming and warm, I am always greeted with a smile and they ask how I am
doing, and if they can do anything to help me. The children are wonderful; they are so eager to learn and to do well in school.
They speak so fast and sometimes I have a hard time understanding what they are saying, especially when they speak Patois, but
I am figuring it out. Overall, I am pleased with my decision to come, this is really an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I feel
so privileged to be a part of the Jamaica Team.
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