Jamaican Organization for Youth

Bringing Computers to the Children of Rural Jamaica

Accompong, Jamaica 1997

An Accompong villager and student.

Accompong is an ancient Maroon village high in the mountains of rural Jamaica. The Jamaican government maintains a Parish-wide All Age School there, serving children from ages 6 to 16. In the summer of 1997, three volunteers implemented a computer laboratory for the school. These photos were taken during that time.

The laboratory was set up in a small area which had previously been used to store books. Three boys spent a morning eagerly clearing and cleaning the area.	After minimal training, the enthusiastic teachers started on their first task: using the Typing Tutor to learn keyboarding skills.

Students from Accompong All-Age School joined other parish students, teachers, parents, and H.E.A.R.T. staff for a day of information and celebration.

Below are photos of some of the teachers, citizens, and daily scenes at Accompong.

Click on a frame to enlarge it.

Principal Harris 22kb	Teacher 18kb	Teacher 18kb	Teacher 15kb
Farmer and Family 27kb	Sunny Scene 14kb	Stormy Scene 11kb	Student 14kb

A view from the cottage where we stayed, complements of Maroon Colonel Cawley. In the background is a child in a star apple tree, while others wait below for the delicious fruit he will toss down. This was a daily treat offered with pride by village children. After a few days, I stood under the tree with them, eagerly awaiting that dangerous rain of sweet starfruit.

Comments or Questions? eMail JOY.

Jamaica Organization for Youth
Click forJoy

Click for Links to Schools in Jamaica