EDUCATION

FULFILLING THE CARIBBEAN’S POTENTIAL

We believe that education – at all levels provides the best opportunities for change for the better, for individuals and our nations. It is heartbreaking to know that a child will not reach their full potential because lack of finance restricts their access to what should be a right for all. We also believe that encouraging and nurturing their dreams and efforts is just as important too so we work very closely with our local communities and schools on a range of educational projects and initiatives that include scholarships, adopting local schools, mentorship programs, helping to maintain schools, and learning through fun.

Help us to make a difference by donating to some of our projects:

Community Scholarships

Since 1998 we have awarded millions of dollars in scholarships to 100’S of pupils and students from schools in our communities who despite being bright will not achieve their academic potential without financial support. Students are also provided with ongoing assessment and encouragement to take their education to the highest level.

Adopted Schools Program

Across the Caribbean, our resorts have adopted a total of 26 schools in nearby communities. Our resorts work closely to provide support and assistance to the schools which also provide a focus for much of our outreach work. Working with the parents and teachers, our team members provide practical support by helping to maintain buildings, organize student seminars and visits, special events, and Christmas treats for around 9,000 pupils.

Culloden Early Childhood Institution (Jamaica, Whitehouse)

For over thirty years the Culloden Early Childhood Institution has been in operation at different locations within the Whitehouse Community on the southern coast of Jamaica, having no permanent building of its own. The school, currently considered one of the premier Early Childhood Institutions within the area, boasts approximately 180 students between the ages of 3-6 years. The Sandals Foundation has given its commitment to provide the Culloden Early Childhood Institution with the Caribbean's first environmentally friendly school, as a place to call their own.  Principal of the school, Ms. Janet Briggs is confident that this permanent structure will provide stability and a nurturing; learning environment for the students, while further enrich their  appreciation and knowledge as to why it is necessary to consider best environmentally practices as they go about their daily activities.

Book Drive (Caribbean Region)

The Sandals Foundation is committed to making an impact in this area through effective Literacy Programs.  Our first step will be to ensure the availability of reading material for easy access in schools and communities. In Antigua in particular, the St. John’s Library is under construction and set to open in December 2009 and we have pledged our support through the provision of the necessary resource materials. The Sandals Foundation’s Book Drive is encouraging all our travel partners and returning guests to take along and donate a new book or leave behind their current book, during their next stay at a Sandals/Beaches resort.

Sesame Workshop Outreach

Through our corporate partnership with the world’s leading educational foundation, we offer range of seminars in our communities on parenting & teaching. We use famous characters including Gordon, Elmo, Grover and friends to capture the imagination of children and educate them in the areas of environment, safety, disaster preparedness and other important issues, as well as simply bringing joy to their everyday lives.