What's Inside:

About Us

Mission
To promote educational and social development in the youth of the USA, Jamaica, and the rest of the Caribbean.

History
On a vacation to Jamaica, the founders of St. Mary’s Youth Development USA, Inc. (SMYD) discovered a very disturbing fact in Dalton, St. Elizabeth.  Numerous children were not attending school because of lack of resources.  As a result of this finding, a group was formed to bring attention to the matter and to garner help from past residents who now reside abroad.  The group (mainly past students of St. Mary’s All Age School) was formalized and registered under section 501(c)(3) in the State of New York.  This was 1984. 

The organization’s first function was to place 70 children back in school on its feeding and books program at St. Mary’s All Age School.  In addition, the organization donated many scholarships to students who passed common entrance for high schools in St. Elizabeth.  Of course, the word spread and in July, 1993, some members of SMYD made a special trip to Jamaica to present much needed items to the following schools:

With the assistance of the Ministry of Education and Culture in Kingston, Jamaica, the organization was able to “load up” Air Jamaica with items that received duty free concessions from the Customs and Excise Commissioner.   

Items included: 

5 typewriters

1 copying machine

1VCR

1 refrigerator

1 water jug with cups

30 school bags

4 shorts

48 pairs school shoes

3 sets toys

62 books

8 lunch boxes

30 pairs sneakers

12 binders

6 boxes typewriter ribbon

300 pencils

300 pens

300 balloons

300 erasers 

That was the beginning.

SMYD Today 
Today, SMYD has added other schools, organizations, and individuals to its list of recipients.  The Dalton Resource Center is one example.  It has been very active in the Dalton community, where many students attend the St. Mary’s, Hopeton, and Rose Hall Schools.  SMYD has donated over US$5,000.00 in student scholarships so far to students from these schools.   

SMYD raise funds and collect books, and other non-perishable items after natural disasters such as hurricanes and storms that can cause damage to schools and communities.  Computers, books, financial assistance, sports equipment, personal care items, clothing, and other items are continually donated to those seeking assistance. 

For information on how you can help, please visit our Donate/Sponsor page or call:  (718) 324-0031

For information on how to request scholarships, student sponsorships, school items, or financial assistance, please fill out the Monetary Request or Non-Monetary Request form or call:  (718) 324-0031

 

Promoting educational and social development in the youth of the USA, Jamaica, and the rest of the Caribbean.