We are excited to share that we have continued to develop our partnerships with the Infant and Basic Schools in Kingston and Portmore as well as Child Care Centres in Jamaica for more than 23 years. As previously mentioned over the years, we have come down with many students from various programs within the Community Services and Health Sciences department, but it is the School of Early Childhood that continues to stay connected with Shortwood Teachers’ College, The University of the West Indies and The Early Childhood Commission. These partnerships are an integral part of the experience for the students as it gives them many insights as to the education system in Jamaica through hands on experiences as well as workshops.
Partnerships like these only provide positive outcomes that come from experience. Working together is truly rewarding for all.
This year you will notice that we have a small group of students from our School of Early Childhood participating in this project and they will be working with children 2.5 – 5 years of age in the Bloom Early Childhood Centre of Excellence, house on the University of West Indies Campus.
While this is a small group, they worked extremely hard to get here. It not only takes dedication and appreciation for all children, but a strong focus on fundraising (thank you to all for your ongoing support as it is truly appreciated), team building and learning about the Jamaican culture.
Through our weekly meetings, they have learned about the different ways in which curriculum can be implemented and the importance of bridging teacher-based learning with play-based learning. The students have been busy planning curriculum based on themes for the month but will also incorporate play-based activities to enhance the learning and give children an opportunity to explore resources that will promote problem solving, critical thinking skills as well as social and peer interactions. While in Jamaica, the students will also be reflecting on Ontario’s pedagogy of How Does Learning Happen? along with ELECT (Early Learning for Every Child Today), which supports observations of children’s interests and development.
The picture above is of the students standing outside the Wisdom Tree at Shortwood on their first day of school.
Please continue to read this page as the students will be providing a weekly update as to their experience.
Weekly Summaries from students
Weekly Summary #1: Saniya Dhamani
First Week in Jamaica!
We have finally arrived in Jamaica, and it truly feels like paradise! The mountains, waters, trees, and the warmth of the people have already captured my heart. This place is more than beautiful—it’s unforgettable.
Our journey began on Friday Jan. 3rd with a lovely dinner. The team spent the evening sharing meaningful conversations, learning about our diverse backgrounds, and discovering the unique strengths that each of us brings. It was the perfect way to start this incredible experience.
The weekend was all about exploration and discovery. We visited the Blue Mountain Hills where we tasted freshly brewed coffee and learned about its rich history. Of course, a trip to Jamaica wouldn’t be complete without a Jamaican patty, which did not disappoint! Sunday, we had the chance to participate in a local church service, which gave us a glimpse of the spiritual side of this vibrant culture.
Monday was our first day at Bloom Early Learning Centre, Kingston. As we stepped in, I could see a mix of nervous and excited faces — including my own! But the energy of the children and the staff was contagious, and we quickly found ourselves integrating into this new environment. We are learning so much from the children here. Their curiosity, laughter, and unique ways of seeing the world are teaching us to slow down and appreciate the little things. They show us the value of patience, connection, and kindness. Every day brings something new.
We are soaking in the local culture! So far, we’ve had the chance to try ackee and saltfish, along with fried dumplings and other local delicacies. Each meal has been a celebration of the island’s rich culinary heritage, bringing us closer to its culture.
This week hasn’t been without its challenges, but every moment has been worth it. I have grown as an individual and as part of a team, finding strength and support in one another. Jamaica has already made a lasting impact on my heart, and I’m excited for the many memories still waiting to be created.
Saniya Dhamani
Weekly Summary #2: Viviana Benavidez
Second Week in Jamaica
After a week filled with learning and collaboration in placement and nightly meetings, we visited Bob Marley’s Museum, where we discovered the true meaning behind his famous song “One Love.” We reflected on the importance of loving ourselves and, in turn, expressing that same love to others. We also enjoyed climbing the breathtaking Dunn’s River Falls, an exotic location where we experienced the unique beauty and power of the falls flowing into the sparkling, clear sea waters. It truly is a spectacular sight!
On Sunday, we attended a welcoming local church service. It allowed us to connect with the community in a meaningful way. It was a comforting time, and we expressed gratitude for the incredible privilege of being here.
Our weekdays are busy; we spend most of our time working and planning for the days ahead. We are dedicated to contributing to the program at Bloom and are learning from the children, their families, the educators, and our own team.
Our hearts have already been captivated by the children we serve. Witnessing their curiosity, creativity, and ability to learn and develop their skills is our daily reward. Engaging in conversations with the families to get to know them better and diving into deeper discussions as a team is important to us, especially since we know how quickly time passes. Each evening, we look forward to our team meetings, where we share our questions, challenges, and successes from the day. Every day is a learning opportunity; we support each other, laugh, and strive to grow both as educators and as human beings. I am grateful for the Jamaica team I am working with.
We have enjoyed the warm weather, along with the gentle breeze and stunning sunsets this beautiful country offers. We have tried various local foods, visited markets, and learned more about Jamaica and its beautiful people.
I am forever grateful to be here, and I know there is so much more to see in the land where “Out of Many, One People.”
Viviana Benavidez.
Weekly Summary #3: Sonila Maka
Third Week in Jamaica
Over the past three weeks, our Jamaica project at Bloom Early Childhood Institution of Excellence has been an incredible journey of learning and growth. Collaborating with RECEs, we have explored how curriculum can be effectively implemented while emphasizing the importance of bridging teacher-based learning with play-based learning. This integration of structure and play has highlighted its powerful role in fostering children’s creativity, engagement, and holistic development.
Staying at Sherwood Teachers’ College for the first two weeks with Colette provided us with invaluable support and mentorship, which helped set the tone for our experience. Now, as we transitioned to our homestay, we embraced a new level of independence, learned to adapt to a new environment although this reminds us of home and made us miss home much more.
Our homestay host Yvonne Boxe made us feel incredibly safe and welcomed. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with warm smiles and genuine hospitality. The host went above and beyond to ensure we were comfortable, offering thoughtful touches like a cozy room, home-cooked meals, and helpful advice about the local area. The atmosphere was calm and inviting, making it easy to relax and feel at home. It was clear she cared about our well-being, which added to our sense of security and belonging.
This week included some key experiences. On Tuesday, we visited the Faith Temple Christian Academy Early Childhood Institution. We observed their teaching practices, learned about the differences in their approach, and gained insights into the struggles they face. We also had a meaningful conversation with the principal, which gave us a deeper understanding of their efforts and challenges.
On Thursday, we had the Story Box presentation at Shortwood Teachers’ College. Early childhood educator students and faculty joined us to discuss our planned activities, exchange ideas, and provide valuable feedback. We engaged in meaningful dialogue, attended a class on Guiding Children’s Behaviours which created a dynamic and interactive learning environment. Later, the faculty and students held a reception where we got to know each other a bit more, played team building games and enjoyed some local foods.
Outside of our professional engagements, our homestay family has made our experience memorable. After the presentation, she took us to Devon House for ice cream. On Friday, at our request, they treated us to KFC, and on Saturday, we planned to visit her son’s restaurant.
This project has offered immense personal and professional growth most importantly to me, from cultural immersion to enhancing teaching strategies and building leadership skills. I have developed a deeper appreciation for the impact of early childhood education and the importance of collaboration in achieving meaningful outcomes.
Sonila Maka
Weekly Summary #4: Sheryl Monte
JAMAICA: A Reflection on My Final Field Placement Experience
“There are no words to express my gratitude for spending my final placement in the Caribbean. Here’s how Jamaica profoundly impacted my life in 29 days.”
J - Journey of Growth
My journey at Bloom Child Development Center has been a transformative experience filled with opportunities for personal and professional growth. Working at Bloom allowed me to gain new perspectives on child development, education, and the importance of collaboration among educators. Working alongside Aunty Kyshara and Aunty Althea, I gained insight into the significance of cultural competence in education. This placement enabled me to incorporate diverse perspectives into the play-based curriculum—skills and learnings that I am very excited to apply moving forward in my career in early childhood education.
A - Appreciation for Culture
Being immersed in Jamaica for nearly a month provided me with a deep appreciation for the island’s rich cultural heritage. I learned about local customs such as warm greetings using phrases like “Wah gwaan?” (What’s going on?) and “How yuh do?” (How are you?), as well as traditions like visiting craft markets where we bought handmade goods that showcased local talent. Visiting Port Royal also gave me a better understanding of how history has impacted this city’s present and future.
M - Meaningful Connections
Throughout my placement, I formed meaningful connections with the staff, from the office to the kitchen, as well as with other adults in our room, such as Aunty Susan and Uncle Rahim (who serve as support workers for specific learners). I also connected with the children in my classroom and their families. I made a point to greet them by saying hello and asking how they were doing. These relationships were built on trust, respect, and shared experiences. The warmth and hospitality of the Jamaican people made me feel welcomed and valued as part of their community. Connections I intend to nurture and keep.
A - Active Learning Environment in Nature
“The environment at Bloom Child Development Center was vibrant and conducive to active learning. The playground, with a view of the mountains and lush green trees, was my favourite space as it encouraged children’s learning through exploration, creativity, and critical thinking. My experiences at the center reinforced my belief in the importance of play-based learning in early childhood education, demonstrating that nature serves as a vast playground for discovery and growth.”
I - Inspiration from Educators
The educators at Bloom inspired me with their dedication and passion for teaching. They commute for an hour or more each day, navigating heavy traffic in Kingston; yet every day they arrive with lively spirits ready to engage with the children. Working alongside them has honed my adaptability skills as I integrated into this established team. With a common goal of prioritizing children’s interests, I am grateful for their support and trust in the programs and activities I introduced.
C - Community Immersion
“Our community immersion—through living in our homestays, taking taxis to get to school, bargaining in local markets, and dining in local restaurants—contributed significantly to my personal growth during this journey. I confronted discomforts related to cultural differences, such as time management and meal arrangements, as well as living conditions like sharing a room and taking turns in the shower; these challenges pushed me out of my comfort zone. This was not only my first time being part of a group for such an extended period but also my first experience sharing the same roof with others for an entire month. However, this discomfort led to profound learning experiences regarding resilience, adaptability, and empathy. I took pride in getting up every day and coexisting with my team. Plus, I got to share our homestay mom Yvonne’s kitchen by cooking some Filipino dishes.
A - Advocacy for Children’s Rights
Finally, this experience has ignited my passion for advocating children’s rights in education. I have come to understand the challenges faced by children in various socio-economic contexts. This understanding motivates me to work towards creating equitable educational opportunities for all children. The resources in Jamaica are very limited and very expensive; therefore, I hope that more agencies and community members pay greater attention to the needs of early childhood education so that young learners receive sufficient supplies as early as possible.
“It has been an incredible journey to be part of George Brown College’s Jamaica Project. Looking back on the challenges I faced during this experience; I wouldn’t change a thing because it has truly been life changing. As I always tell everyone, ‘A piece of my heart stays and will always be in Jamaica!’”
Sheryl Monte
