Ive started my second week of work and it was a good way to begin. We (Jacquie, Claire and I) had a meeting with the Executive Director of the DRF (Dispute Resolution Foundation) to talk about our placements and what we would like to accomplish during the year. DRF is split into two major parts, the first is mediation and the second is youth. I still have a lot to learn about all the services DRF provides, but the mediation department conducts mediations for the court system and trains mediators. The youth programs focuses on teaching kids non-violent ways to solve disputes. The organization is celebrating its 15th anniversary and has grown substantially in the last 5 years. Claire has been working with DRF for the last 2 months and is in charge of monitoring and evaluation. Jacquie will be working on the strategic plan for the youth department and I will be working on an overall business plan /model for the organization. There is a lot of work to do and a lot I have to learn about the organization to put together a “work plan” on what I would like to accomplish. The work they want me to do sounds a lot more exciting than I initially thought it would be, which is good. Both Jacquie and Claire have a lot of experience working for no for profit organizations and I have a lot to learn from them.
The DRF office is about a 30 min walk (when I walk fast) from my apartment. In the mornings I take the bus in but I will be walking home most evenings. The office is on the border of new and old (downtown) Kingston. The office itself is located beside a prison (see picture below) which was a bit of a surprise. When DRF first started, inmates worked with the organization (cleaning, painting, reception etc…) to assist the skeleton staff. The program ended when two inmates tried to escape while working at DRF. Now our only interaction with inmates is when they yell at friends on the sidewalk from the prison. So far, ive only heard this once…it adds an interesting dynamic to the workplace.
On Sunday we went to Hellshire, which is the beach where the locals go for swimming. The beach itself was pretty small and didnt have much space for lounging. There were lots of restaurants selling fresh fish which makes it a popular spot at night…but not really a place where you want to lay your towel out. We decided to walk along the cost to Fort Clarence where we went last time. The stretch of beach between Hellshire and Fort Clarence isnt maintained and was pretty gross (see pic below), there was garbage everywhere. Once we got to Fort Clarence, the water was nice and warm and the fish was really good…and that means a lot because I normally dont like fish. They serve the fish with raw onions and peppers in vinegar, tasty. Were headed to Portland this weekend (all seven of us are going) to check out what some call the best beaches in Jamaica. Weve been told its less touristy than Motego Bay or Ocho, it will be nice to get out of the city for a couple days.
Ill post pics when I get back
