In Cockpit Country, the heart of Jamaica beats
In December 2008, four volunteers and I traveled to Jamaica for an international service trip in Cockpit Country, which by some is considered the heart of Jamaica and Jamaica’s last standing wilderness. Over the years, the lack of economic opportunities and growth and poor land use practices endangered this environment. Jamaican traditional folk medicine and herbal medicine are still practiced in many parts of the country. Some of these species are not endemic, but in Jamaica they are found only in Cockpit Country. These native plant species have become heavily protected by the community. We engaged in helping the community to build a natural science education and tourist center that would preserve and educate the public community and tourists about these indigenous plant species in Jamaica. This service opportunity also allowed us to interact with the community in developing an eco-tourism program that uses local resources in a sustainable manner and provides a source of income for the community members.
A personal interest on this mission was to gain greater understanding about the dental health care and education in Jamaica, and I desired to seek the opportunity to provide basic oral health education and hygiene instruction to the community. I was blessed to be given the opportunity to invite the community and speak at one of the churches one evening. From all the local help and donations from my classmates and school, I was able to deliver over 120 toothbrushes, toothpaste, and floss and donate previously used children books.
Thank you, all! Here is a glimpse of our experiences. You can read more about our experience by clicking on the photo.
A personal interest on this mission was to gain greater understanding about the dental health care and education in Jamaica, and I desired to seek the opportunity to provide basic oral health education and hygiene instruction to the community. I was blessed to be given the opportunity to invite the community and speak at one of the churches one evening. From all the local help and donations from my classmates and school, I was able to deliver over 120 toothbrushes, toothpaste, and floss and donate previously used children books.
Thank you, all! Here is a glimpse of our experiences. You can read more about our experience by clicking on the photo.
© 2010 BetheCatalyst