We mobilize the voluntary efforts of the private sector, Government, non-profit organizations and individuals to achieve
the grand vision of giving every young Jamaican a shot at achieving the Jamaican Dream.
Jamaica’s Promise was founded on the premise that Jamaica, now more than ever, needs a national call to action. Realizing this in August 2001, Audrey Marks, founder and CEO of Paymaster Jamaica Ltd., approached General Colin Powell, then U.S. Secretary of State, and of Jamaican descent, with a proposal to create Jamaica’s Promise as an outreach arm of America’s Promise.
Subsequently, Jamaica's Promise was launched as an independent foundation, with the goal of replicating the successes of America's Promise in Jamaica and internationalizing the goals and objectives of America’s Promise.
Jamaica’s Promise was founded on the premise that Jamaica, now more than ever, needs a national call to action.
Our Five Promises
Ongoing relationships with caring adults – parents, mentors, tutors or coaches
Safe places with structured activities during non school hours
Healthy start and future
Marketable skills through effective education
Opportunities to give back through community service.
Since 2001 to 2015, Jamaica's Promise has supported a continuous scholarship program for at-risk university students through resources provided by Audrey Marks and her company Paymaster Jamaica Ltd.
In her role as Jamaica's Ambassador to the United States, Her Excellency Audrey Marks has launched Jamaica's Promise in the United States as a voluntary non-profit organization, as the leading entity that provides the resources and support needed by local organizations to improve the education and training of young people from disadvantaged circumstances and communities.
We will raise funds, mobilize voluntary effort from the private sector and regular individuals to achieve this grand vision of giving every young Jamaican an opportunity at achieving the Jamaican Dream.