International Samaritan Jamaica

Welcome to International Samaritan Jamaica

As a proud part of the International Samaritan global community, we bring compassion and local action to Jamaica’s most underserved neighborhoods. International Samaritan Jamaica is rooted in Riverton Meadows, just steps from the Riverton City Dump in Kingston. Together with the nearby community of Callaloo Mews, these areas are divided by Spanish Town Road—a bustling artery lined with businesses and constant traffic. Yet, despite this commercial corridor, many families in both communities survive by collecting and repurposing items from the dump, embodying a daily hustle marked by resilience, ingenuity, and the unrelenting drive to provide for their children.

scholarship students with a puzzle

About Jamaica

Location & Size:
A beautiful island nation in the Caribbean Sea, Jamaica spans about 10,990 km²—the third-largest in the Greater Antilles—and lies south of Cuba and west of Hispaniola.

Population & Diversity

  • Home to approximately 2.82 million people (2024 est.).
  • Ethnic composition: ~76% African descent, ~15% Afro‑European/mixed, ~3% East Indian/Afro‑East Indian, ~3% Caucasian, ~1% Chinese, <1% others.
  • Official language is Jamaican English; Jamaican Patois is widely spoken.

Riverton Meadows / Riverton City Community

History & Environment

What began as “Riverton City” evolved into Riverton Meadows. Though improved, it remains affected by its proximity to the Riverton City landfill.

Community & Life

Residents face high unemployment, environmental hazards, and crowded housing. Still, the community displays resilience with active schools and recycling initiatives.

scholarship students at the office in Jamaica
scholarship student swinging

Callaloo Mews Community

• Small neighborhood (~500 residents) near the landfill.
• Faces poverty and under-resourced infrastructure.
• Home to Callaloo Mews Basic School, serving ~56 students.
• Supported by local and international partners.

    International Samaritan Jamaica's Mission

    Who We Are:
    Jamaican affiliate of the International Samaritan Community.

    What We Do:
      1. Education Support
      2. Community Capacity-Building
      3. Advocacy & Wellness

    Jamaica Map as a Flag

    Demographics Snapshot

    Metric

    Riverton Meadows

    Callaloo Mews

    Estimated Population

    Thousands across several hundred households

    ~500 residents

    Primary Challenges

    Unemployment, environmental hazards, informal housing

    Poverty, under-resourced education, landfill proximity

    Education

    Early childhood institutions

    Callaloo Mews Basic School (~56 students)

    Community Action

    Recycling employment, road beautification

    School improvements via partnerships

    Join Our Global Mission

    International Samaritan Jamaica is part of a worldwide movement:

    Scholarship students in Jamaica making candles in a workshop.