Members from The Links, Inc. return to Jamaica for Humanitarian Mission Trip

Washington, DC – More than 190 members of The Links, Incorporated, are set to return to Montego Bay, Jamaica on January 23rd. They embark on another humanitarian mission to benefit education, health care, and welfare for the island nation’s schools and students.

At the conclusion of their four-day trip—marking their third since 2016—the organization of African American women united in camaraderie and service will have contributed nearly one million dollars to the local economy. Additionally, they will have dedicated more than 5,000 hours to volunteer work.

The delegation’s ultimate goal is to make a sustainable impact and create lasting partnerships in communities of need throughout Jamaica.

Links members and their families will attend this year in record numbers. They will bring many school supplies, like books and pens.

These are all basic tools needed for better education to share with students and their families.  Included in the donations are 160 Kindle Fire tablets to support youth technology interests and efforts.

As in past years, led by the organization’s president, Dr. Glenda Newell-Harris, the delegation will visit the partner schools during the three-year project: St. Mary’s Preparatory, Mt. Zion Primary and Watford Hill Primary schools.

The visit will focus on five program areas: technology presentations, anti-bullying training, arts, oral and physical hygiene, and CPR training. This is for 4^th graders to 6^th graders.

Dr. Newell-Harris is proud of The Links, Incorporated’s work and believes 2018 will be their best year. With help from Colgate’s Bright Smiles, Bright Futures program, the organization has improved students’ oral hygiene. They provide dental exams to children at all three schools.

Support from sponsors such as the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) has also enabled members to finance and implement resource specialists. These specialists assist educators who are focusing on teaching enhanced reading, writing, and math practices.

“While our aim has been to extend helping hands of friendship and service to those with whom we interact and connect with in Jamaica, this trip is one of mutual transformation,” said Dr. Newell-Harris.  “Our members are so excited about the opportunity to return to share and enjoy an experience that is as meaningful to us as it is to our Jamaican colleagues. Our hands-on involvement with students and teachers allows us to give to those who may benefit from our resources. It also enables us to live out the mission of our organization in real time.  We look forward to making a difference in the lives of our children, who are our future, on the beautiful island nation of Jamaica.”