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Kindergarten and Community Centre, Kingston, Jamaica
You just step off the plane and you feel the vibe. A freedom of expression a warmth, a sense of laissez faire and a spirit that is almost pounding from the earth itself… an irresistible charm that can make one fall in love instantly.
Jamaica, “Land of wood and water”, with a distinctive black, green and gold flag. Black representing struggle, strength and creativity; green for the lushness and beauty of the land giving hope; and gold for the sunshine, giving us vision.
You will find the meaning of the flags' colours come to life when you consider the history of this little island once inhabited by peace-loving, “Taino” Indians. Having experienced a similar fate as other indigenous peoples they were wiped out with the arrival of the Spaniards several centuries ago. Although slavery was in existence during the Spanish rule, the British took it to another level when they colonised Jamaica. Jamaicans finally received their independence in 1962. Their real independence and emancipation though, are yet to be seen as the influence and deep rooted oppression of the rulers in the world persist (as well as the perpetuation of instilled feelings of inferiority) and threaten their sense of identity and economic survival.
Jamaica is a very rich and beautiful island full of life and an incredible diversity of land and vegetation… from the Blue Mountains to the white sandy beaches with clear turquoise waters, ancient rainforests, a wide variety of colourful fruit trees and vibrant tropical plants. The lushness and freshness symbolizing hope and vitality inspire in the people the desire to overcome all storms and to continue thriving. After the recent hurricane and the loss of so many trees, I see the earth replenishing itself, apparently undaunted. And that can be true of the inhabitants too. I see a resilience, steadfastness and core strength that speaks out “we will get through this, we will survive”. The eternal phrase that seems to put everything in perspective is “No problem”!
However, despite the richness of the land, valuable natural resources and wonderful people it is a country facing poverty, crime, violence, drug abuse, social unrest and degradation. 85% of the children come from single parent families and many are unwanted or orphaned.
Until recently, when my responsibilities changed, I ran a progressive kindergarten in one of the more volatile and impoverished areas of Kingston, which certainly kept me on my toes. I loved being with the children and I saw so much joy and bubbling enthusiasm from them as they learnt and grew. I find all children are so beautiful, God made it so I expect so that they would be loved unconditionally…
At the school, we did our best to provide an environment filled with love and learning opportunities. It was like an oasis in the desert. The day there would start with songs, meditation (a very simple one for children) and yoga postures. It seemed to really help them to focus and be calmer. We experienced some meaningful and positive results from our efforts. Unfortunately, we were not totally at liberty to run our own lesson plans as the parents and the Ministry of Education all had their expectations and requirements and wanted things a certain way. So, the traditional influences were still powerful and we were compelled to adjust to some of them. Despite that though, we kept moving ahead with our beautiful team of dedicated teachers. I have utmost respect for their efforts in crowd management and creating a loving environment!
Some fifteen minutes away from the school (depending on traffic, it could also be an hour!) we run a small yoga centre, a peaceful sanctuary, welcoming women from all walks of life to come and nourish themselves on all levels. We offer several yoga classes during the week, a women's sharing group, regular seminars, meditation sessions and musical evenings. Individually, we provide a peaceful place for people to come and release stress, relax, breath, learn meditation and receive guidance along their life's journey. An added bonus to some of these programs is the very delicious, and not to be missed, vegetarian food offered. Alternative health and lifestyle therapies are also available.
At the same location we have a small cottage industry making yummy homemade yoghurt, which is enjoyed by all and a small international “boutique” at the centre with clothes and gift items from around the world, other products include soothing music CD's, uplifting books and herbal remedies. The sales help towards sustaining our ongoing service work.
Kingston presents so many different possibilities for serving others. Some of our outreach work includes classes at the University of the West Indies and other locations throughout the city. The Bustamante Children's Hospital warmly receives the songs and stories shared with the recovering children at the learning centre. I find it hard to see such innocent little beings suffer so much, but at the same time am inspired to see their resilience, adaptability and ongoing joy of life. Our elderly gatherings at the WROC (Women's Resource and Outreach Centre) are very energizing too, as we exercise and sing together always finding something to laugh about. I feel so much wisdom and exuberance with many of our seniors as they come together and share their life's experiences and camaraderie.
Other places of outreach are the Sir John Golding - Mona Rehabilitation Centre, where we spend time with the disabled children; the Golden Age Home – where we spend time with both disabled and seniors and endeavoring to help improve the quality of life for the residents. As there is much need for seniors in Jamaica work at the NCSC (National council for Senior Citizens) continues and the development of our own project called WISE (Wisdom In Soulful Exchange) is slowly moving ahead.
A kindergarten and community centre are in the research stage and are planned to be set in one of Jamaica’s economically depressed areas. The school will initially serve about 90 students. We aim to create a safe, conducive and loving environment in which the children can learn, grow and be the best that they can for themselves and the world around them.
The education that we offer is relatively progressive for Jamaica and we try and incorporate lots of songs, games, play, art, drama and music in their learning as well as yoga and meditation. In addition we aim to include the parents in their children's education. One of our aims is to really create a community centre for all in the locality to benefit.
The projected plan will also include a health centre, adult education and community facility later expanding to an elementary school.
Most of the parents in the area are single and are stretched with both time and finances to take proper care of their children. Although we will charge a very small fee to the students (to help pay the teachers), we will not turn away those who really need. For those who cannot afford we aim to provide those children with free lunch. In our endeavors to serve the community we will set up a free weekly medical clinic (later to be expanded to serve more often). Many of the people in the community are illiterate and unemployed so from time to time, depending on the resources available, we plan to offer a skills training program as well and clothes to needy families.
Working together we can reach out to the children and women of Jamaica and help transform their hopes and dreams into a new reality.
Didi Ananda Ragamaya
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