About Us
Mission Statement
The Jamaican Youth Assistance Program is committed to empowering primary school students by providing essential school supplies, uniform assistance, and access to enrichment opportunities.
Vision Statement
Our vision is a Jamaica where every child can access the resources they need to succeed in school and beyond. By supporting students, fostering educational engagement, and creating a pathway out of poverty, we aim to build a future where education is a tool for reducing crime and creating opportunities for all Jamaican youth. We aspire to nurture young minds, ensuring no child is left behind due to a lack of resources.
We work alongside communities to support families, foster academic success, and reduce barriers to education. We recognize that every child deserves the chance to thrive. Through personal relationships with schools, we aim to uplift youth, nurture their potential, and contribute to a brighter, safer future for Jamaica.
Our Story
The Passion Behind JYAP
The Jamaican Youth Assistance Program (JYAP) was founded out of a deep passion for ensuring that every child has access to education without barriers. Growing up in Jamaica, Dennis faced many struggles that shaped his commitment to helping students succeed. His greatest vision is to make sure no child experiences the same hardships he did due to a lack of resources.
Dennis began his mission in 1999, providing school supplies to students in his hometown and assisting schools with critical resources like projectors, whiteboards, and markers. Over the years, his impact grew—by 2019, he began personally supporting students by covering school fees, lunch money, and supplies, ensuring they had what they needed to stay in school.
In 2021, Dennis partnered with an associate to expand his reach, distributing 60 backpacks and supplies to students in need at a local primary school. This effort led to the launch of a breakfast program, ensuring that students started their school day nourished and ready to learn.
Then, in 2024, when Hurricane Beryl devastated the parishes of Clarendon, Manchester, and St. Elizabeth, Dennis knew he had to do more. He launched a fundraising effort to donate 1,000 backpacks filled with essential school supplies to students in those affected areas, helping them rebuild and continue their education despite the disaster.
JYAP is the result of a lifetime of dedication—driven by Dennis’ unwavering commitment to ensuring that every Jamaican child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed.