Journey to The Bahamas
Through the Hope Garden Project, educators and families are being empowered to help children and their communities thrive.
Bahamas Facts
Population: 407,906
Capital: Nassau
Currency: Bahamian Dollar B$ on par with US Dollar, which can also be used
Area: 13,880 km² (8,625 mi²)
Languages: English, Bahamian Creole, Haitian Creole
Major religions: Protestant
WHI in The Bahamas
World Hope International’s Hope Garden Project (HGP) is working to bring sustainable change to the Bahamas. The purpose of HGP is to make a sustainable long-lasting impact in the lives of children and vulnerable communities by giving them safer, healthier and happier lives. If a child is able to attend a preschool in the Bahamas, they are not only offered an education but fed and offered daily care. Having access to preschool and early education dramatically improves their quality of life, overall wellbeing and opportunity for the future.
cost
$4,000*
Spaces Available
8 People
How Long
1 Week
Age
18 yrs & older
Requirements
Passport
*Cost includes tickets, meals, in-country transportation, and housing (subject to change)
Type of Work
Grow Hope: Garden Project
By providing healthier food options and access to sustainable food sources, we will ensure every preschool-aged child receives healthy food they need to enhance their overall well-being and that of their families.
Team members should be prepared to work outside, get dirty, and have some knowledge of planting. A knowledge of simple carpentry or willingness to learn on the job will be an asset.
Build Hope: Playground Project
Parents and staff of the preschool will actively participate in the planning, building and maintenance of a creative and safe play environment.
Team members must be willing and able to work hard and be outside in hot weather. You must be able to lift heavy objects, be familiar with tools and other carpentry equipment, and work as team. Past experience in carpentry is an asset but not required as long as there is a leader with experience.
Feed Hope: Breakfast Program
By providing healthier food options and access to sustainable food sources, we will ensure every preschool-aged child receives the nutritious food they need to enhance their overall well-being and that of their families.
Team members will be assisting local volunteers with buying, preparing, cooking, and serving children meals in vulnerable communities.
Inspire Hope: Early Childhood Education Conference
This annual professional development opportunity is an amazing initiative meant to assist educators on the island. The purpose is to share, encourage, and inspire as they dedicate their lives to educating the children and youth of Grand Bahama.
Presenters at this conference will empower local teachers as they invest in the lives of children and inspire hope.
Start Your Journey
When approached with the opportunity to serve educators in the Bahamas, I was excited to share my educational experience. What I did not expect was what I would receive in return. I left the Bahamas having learned more than I taught. I learned to appreciate the power of community. I learned to be grateful for the opportunities available to my family and my colleagues. I learned about resilience and unwavering faith. I learned that serving others fills me up in turn. Finally, I learned that there is still so much we can accomplish, so much more we can give.
Meet Jenny and Derek! They are the country directors for The Bahamas.
Jenny & Derek were both born and raised in Fredericton, New Brunswick. Jenny has worked extensively with children of all ages, having devoted over 20 years to early childhood education and business ownership. Derek has over 30 years of food sales and grocery management experience developing skills in negotiating, product line growth, meeting deadlines and product representation. Together Jenny and Derek lead the Hope Garden Project, partnering with local, established preschools to see transformation come to the island of Grand Bahama
Things You Need to Know
Passport Required: Yes – 6 month validation
Visa Required: Not required
Vaccinations: Please consult your family doctor or travel clinic
