I AM: Jamaica

The Barrettown All Age Primary School in Barrettown, Montego Bay was the site for I AM: Jamaica. Located on the outskirts of the vacation resorts that inhabit the northern coastline, Barrettown is one of many small hillside communities that survive on marketing arts, crafts and hand-made local products. Therefore, there are many schools and government education centers in the area to serve the growing number of children.

The Government of Jamaica has a solid educational system in place, especially for early childhood education, but with an average of 5.3 years of schooling for adults, retaining students beyond primary school is a challenge. This is why the I AM: Jamaica project targeted 11 and 12 year-old students, those completing their primary years and heading into secondary school. While it may have been just a relative moment of each participating child’s school career, it is hoped that the I AM: experience offered a glimpse into the future, authentic 1:1 attention, and a moment of recognition with staying power.

Very special thanks to Mrs. Brown, Samantha Clarke, Marva Jackson.