rockhouse foundation

The Rockhouse Foundation transforms the places where Jamaica's children learn and supports the people who teach them.

In communities whose basic needs far outstrip available resources, nothing is more enduring than creating learning environments that value students and educators, programs that support a child's physical growth and well-being, and partnerships that leverage the knowledge and experience of the great people already dedicated to working with Jamaica's young people.

Since its inception in 2003, the Rockhouse Foundation has fully renovated and expanded the Negril All Age School, and its primary feeder Pre-K, the Negril Basic School, and the Negril Public Library. All are located about a mile from the hotel and for decades were dilapidated, overcrowded public institutions serving the Negril community. The Negril Public Library project, as depicted in the video above, involved a major rehabilitation and expansion of the library, which sits directly adjacent to both schools and has become a centerpiece of education and family learning in Negril. The most recent project is the renovation and expansion of the Little Bay All Age School, a dual phase project that was completed in time for the 2011/2012 school year. The Rockhouse Foundation and Hotel have invested over US$1,000,000 in these projects and associated support programs.

Every cent of every donation goes directly to support our programs - the Rockhouse Hotel and its owners underwrite all administrative expenses. In Jamaica a donation goes a long way - our projects cost as little as one fifth of the budget for the same project in the United States. Our projects are concrete and have an impact that can be seen. We are on the ground to manage capital projects, monitor programs, maintain facilities, and deliver the resources needed for success. The Rockhouse Foundation is a New York based, IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

To gain a wider visual perspective on our history and work, please view the Rockhouse Foundation's archived videos by clicking the following links and scrolling down to Academy Award nominated director Marshall Curry's documentary short Negril All Age School Project and also Air Jamaica's In-Flight Video "Island Stylee" profile on the Rockhouse Foundation.

The Rockhouse Foundation has received so much support from our guests and friends through donations in kind. Many guests have supported the Foundation by packing items to bring with them on their trips to Jamaica. The children and teachers of Negril and Little Bay could further benefit from the following supplies:

• educational cd's (phonics, children's songs, stories, etc.)
• radio w/ cd player
• educational toys
• story books
• construction paper
• writing pads/journals
• crayons, pencils, sharpeners and erasers
• markers & dry erase markers
• building blocks & puzzles
• laminating sheets
• dolls and other soft toys for boys & girls
• masking tape and scotch tape
• stick and bottled glue
• stickers
• manila folders
• general school supplies

Before you pack, check with your airline and travel agent to determine luggage allowance. In order to maximize space and minimize weight in your luggage here are a few packing tips: remove supplies from their original packaging and place them in a bag or loose in your luggage; wrap fragile items to prevent breakage.

Beverley Wedderburn, Principal, Negril All Age School
"The community is looking at the school in a different light. Even children who would not have wanted to come here are now looking at the school. Jamaican families do value education. Everybody wants their children to move a step higher."

Fiona Vassell, Teacher, Negril All Age School
"I get up in the morning and I feel good about coming to the school, this transformation means a lot to the local community, everybody is talking about it."