Appropriate Technology
Knowledge and technology should be carefully assessed before “experts” provide solutions that are deemed to match the needs of recipients. Appropriate technology is required for sustained and viable development efforts. The technology may relate to products or equipment. Examples of appropriate technology (or lack of) include:
Installing computer systems in communities that lack consistent electricity
Providing tractors for farmers that have a farm plot of less than one acre
VillageChild supports knowledge and technology that will facilitate access to achieving economic development and growth. Acquiring appropriate technology that will create a bridge to the rest of the world for those we serve . Sustainable technology that will offer better opportunities and raise the standard of living. Enhancing the education system gives our recipients a competitive edge for job opportunities to achieve sustainable economic wealth.
Education
Universal education is not available in many countries. Lack of education may be due to lack of facilities and teachers, little disposable income to pay for required books and uniforms, teenagers needed as income earners, resistance to change in traditional and cultural values. Universal education provides many benefits to society including better informed consumers and families, and more enlightened leadership.
In Jamaica, education opportunities vary widely between socio-economical classes.
VillageChild will offer financial aid as a supplement or grants. We will also offer mentorship to recipients to support the journey as a students.
Health and Wellness
Next to hunger, health care is the biggest problem facing 3rd world countries.
Most public health expenditures are curative rather than preventative – health facilities (when available) are overcrowded, understaffed, and lacking in both equipment and medicines. Health care has also become one of Jamaica’s biggest challenges.
Access to Healthcare while available is not easily accessible to the rural areas. Private doctors and clinics are widely available in the city as long as you have the funds or insurance to cover the cost. However, health insurance cannot be purchased if you are 65 years or older unless you have been previously enrolled before your 65th birthday in a Jamaican plan.
VillageChild will co-ordinate health fairs allowing access and other activities to include classes and that support healthy living.
Food Security/Income Generation
Access to adequate food supplies for hungry families is becoming a part of the global landscape. One in 7 Jamaicans are living in food-insecure homes. In other parts of the world, millions of people struggle to get 1200 calories – enough to survive one more day. Fifteen to twenty million people die each year from hunger. Solving the problem of hunger is a slow process that ties to solving poverty.
VillageChild will support micro-lending through Agri-Entrepreneurship via a community lot. This will help to produce organic food to sustainably feed communities and reduce dependency on imports while putting people to work.