The American Friends of Jamaica is a not-for-profit 501 (c)(3) organization dedicated to supporting Jamaican charitable organizations and social initiatives working to improve the lives of Jamaicans through systemic development in the areas of education, health care and economic development.

 

Founded in 1982 by a handful of Jamaicans and Americans who loved Jamaica and wanted to see it prosper, the organization has created a legacy of philanthropy dedicated to the people of Jamaica, raising over U$12 million to date on behalf of Jamaica’s non-profit and charitable organizations.

 

The American Friends of Jamaica seeks to improve the lives of Jamaicans by supporting initiatives that advance self-sufficiency, promote healthy communities and strengthen the nation.

 

The American Friends of Jamaica was established in 1982 as a 501(c)(3) organization to assist Jamaican charities in the areas of education, healthcare and, human and economic development. American multinational corporations with commercial interests in Jamaica, American winter residents, and members of the diplomatic corps were some of the organization’s initial supporters. The non-profit organization’s founder was Anne F. Sabo, who directed the AFJ until 2003.

 

We make grants across the spectrum in education: with 4 Scholarships funded annually at the University of the West Indies, tutoring programs for secondary school students, job training programs and a focus on Basic School Education. Quality preschool education has been proven to produce long term improvements in school success and graduation rates. Our grants have provided teacher training and materials in pre-schools across the country and partnered with projects focused on raising school readiness. 

 

We have forged a partnership with We Care for Cornwall, a charity which works closely with the regional hospital for Western Jamaica, Cornwall Regional Hospital– supporting unmet needs in equipment, pediatrics and a new much needed Accident and Admitting area. Additionally, our grants range from the facilitating the universal screening of newborns for sickle cell anemia, to Bustamante Children’s Hospital and rural medical missions. 

 

We evaluate our grants for potential impact on job readiness and job creation as we believe that together with education and health, these form the foundation for development. Our grants include Alpha Boys School’s new music business program, inner-city skills and job training programs and a sustainability initiative at SOS Children’s village.