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Ignite Jamaica Fund

@ignitechangeja

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followers

588

following

🇯🇲 📚 ✏️ 🎓🇯🇲
📌 Nonprofit Organization, 501(c)(3)
📌 Ignite, Inspire, Invest
Improving experiences of children within Jamaica and across the Diaspora.

POSTS STORIES REELS TAGGED

Authentic youth mentorship is so important especially when it gives the next generation opportunities to pour into one another. As an educator the goal is to empower leadership and encourage students to take initiative in guiding those who follow in their footsteps.

Our organization loves working with the Caribbean American Student Association (CASA) at the University of Pennsylvania, @casa_upenn . We were able to conduct college and career readiness lessons with students in Southwest Philadelphia.

The partnerships we have with college and university student organizations have truly expanded our community outreach.

#caribbeanamerican #caribbeanstudentassociation #caribbean #education #educator #k12education #middleschool #youth #youthmentor #youthmentorship #mentorship #educationprograms #k12programs #communityoutreach #communityprograms #youthprogram #collegereadiness #collegeandcareerreadiness #careerreadiness #highereducation #highered #university #college #philly #philadelphia #upenn #universityofpenn #universityofpennsylvania #penn taken in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania by @ignitechangeja

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2 years ago

The act of teaching requires authentic passion and care. As an educator it is evident when you walk into a classroom who truly wants to create spaces that allow students to experience joy and thrive.

We are so proud to have Heywood Hall Basic School as a school partner in Saint Mary Parish, Jamaica. Principal Barbara Brown and her team are dedication to making learning exciting for students.

#jamaica #jamaicajamaica #saintmaryparish #stmaryjamaica #educator #educators #educatejamaica #caribbean #caribbeaneducation #education #jamaicaneducation #basicschool #earlychildhoodeducation #earlychildhood #globaleducation #globaled #teaching #teachingandlearning #teacher #teachers #principals #principal #blackeducation #jamaicadiaspora #jamaican #proudjamaican #jamaicajamaica #blackjoy taken in Saint Mary Parish by @ignitechangeja

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2 years ago

#backtoschool 🖍️📚🚌✏️

We are wishing all of our students, teachers, and administrators a school year filled with joy. As an organization led by educators we know this new year is a time filled with endless possibilities and hope. Let’s go 💪🏾!

#wegothis #backtoschoolseason #backtoschool2024 #educator #teacher #students #studentsuccess #newyearnewgoals #educationispower #educators #blackeducators #phillynonprofit #educationalnonprofit #nonprofit #teacherlife #education by @ignitechangeja

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2 years ago

🇯🇲 MEET KALIL SHAW 🩺🔬

Meet Kalil @kal.shaw , an MD/PhD student at the University of Pennsylvania, biomedical engineering researcher, and aspiring physician-scientist committed to advancing innovation, STEM education, and equitable access to opportunities!

But Kalil’s impact extends far beyond research and medicine!

As the Founder & Chair of @minds_on_ca , Kalil is helping expand educational enrichment opportunities for underserved youth, demonstrating how professional excellence and community service can work hand in hand.

His journey reminds us that success isn’t just about the opportunities we create for ourselves, but the doors we open for others!

#UPenn #STEMEducation #PhD #MD #biomedicalengineering

🇯🇲 MEET ANANDA FRANCIS 💻🌎

Bridging the gap between technology, youth empowerment, and Jamaican Diaspora connections!

Meet Ananda @ananda.jae , the U.S. Northeast Representative for the Global Jamaica Diaspora Youth Council @gjdyc_official , who is passionate about breaking down barriers, fostering unity, and creating opportunities for Jamaican youth across the globe!

A Northeastern University graduate in Data Science & Artificial Intelligence, Ananda is leveraging her expertise in technology, education, and innovation to strengthen connections, expand economic opportunities, and empower the next generation of leaders.

As a former computer science teacher and youth mentor, Ananda reminds us that innovation is most powerful when it creates opportunities for others!

#JamaicaDiaspora #GlobalJamaicaDiasporaYouthCouncil #YoungProfessionals #CaribbeanInnovation #datascience

🇯🇲 MEET ALEXUS WHILBY 💼🌎

Building bridges, creating opportunities, and empowering the next generation of Caribbean leaders!

Meet Lexi @lexisbeautifullife , Founder & President of the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce of the Northeast @thecaccne , whose leadership is helping Caribbean entrepreneurs, businesses, and professionals build meaningful connections and expand their opportunities!

Through strategic partnerships, mentorship, advocacy, and professional networking, Lexi is creating spaces where Caribbean talent can thrive.

As a driving force behind initiatives taken in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania by @ignitechangeja

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8 hours ago

🇯🇲 MEET ABIGAIL SMITH 📚

Where education, culture, and creativity meet, meaningful change begins!

Meet @abismitty , a doctoral student and Holmes Scholar in International Education Policy at the University of Maryland, whose work explores higher education, Caribbean educational development, and cultural justice.

But Abigail’s passion doesn’t stop at research! As the founder of Bere Vibes: Di Real Jamaican Card Game @berevibesja , she’s finding creative ways to celebrate Jamaican culture, preserve our heritage, and bring people together through play and connection.

🔥 Join us at the 2026 Northeast USA Jamaica Diaspora Conference as Abigail joins a dynamic group of young professionals for our panel discussion:

“Identity to Purpose: Turning Culture, Passion & Connection Into Action”

📅 Saturday, October 24, 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM
📍 Temple University Center City, Philadelphia
📌Facilitators: @opportunityaccessinc & @ignitechangeja

From the classroom to entrepreneurship, Abigail’s journey reminds us that there are countless ways to use our talents and cultural identity to make an impact!

#phd #phdstudent #globaleducation #universityofmaryland #entrepreneur

🇯🇲 MEET THEO KNIGHTTOMLINSON 🎤

From youth leadership in Jamaica to amplifying Caribbean voices on the global stage! 🌎

Meet @theprdude_7 , a strategic communications professional, youth advocate, and cultural storyteller who is using the power of media, storytelling, and leadership to inspire change!

As a Label Publicist for VP Records and Founder & Chairman of The RoundTable Foundation @theroundtablefoundation , Theo’s journey demonstrates how passion for culture, communication, and community can evolve into a platform for meaningful impact.

From youth advocacy to the entertainment industry, Theo’s journey reminds us that our voices have power, our culture has influence, and our leadership can create lasting change!

Whether you’re an aspiring media professional, creative, entrepreneur, student, or young leader, come discover how you can leverage your talents, connections, and Jamaican heritage to make an impact.

#vprecords #publicist #mediarelations #youthadvocate #youngprofessional

🇯🇲 MEET AL taken in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania by @ignitechangeja

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2 days ago

🇯🇲 FROM IDENTITY TO PURPOSE: IGNITING THE NEXT GENERATION OF DIASPORA LEADERS

Ignite Jamaica Fund @ignitechangeja and Opportunity Access Inc. @opportunityaccessinc are excited to host the Jamaican Diaspora Young Professional Session at the Northeast USA Jamaica Diaspora Conference on Saturday, October 24th at 10 AM!

We are bringing together an inspiring group of Jamaican and Diaspora changemakers who are transforming their passions into purpose through entrepreneurship, innovation, philanthropy, nonprofit leadership, creative enterprise, and community development.

Moderator: Justin Monchais @jjjjvstin 🇭🇹

Meet Our Panelists:
Abigail Smith @abismitty @berevibesja
Alexus Whilby @lexisbeautifullife @thecaccne
Alex Ashley @alex.ashley1210 @fateofthefeds
Asasiya Muhammad @thepeoplesmidwife
Ananda Francis @ananda.jae @gjdyc_official
Kalil Shaw @kal.shaw @minds_on_ca
Stefan Grant @noirbnb
Theo KnightTomlinson @theprdude_7 @theroundtablefoundation

📅 Saturday, October 24, 2026
🕙 10:00 AM
📍Temple University Center City

🔗Register today: https://www.ne2diaspora.org/

It’s more than a conversation, this is a call to action!

#jamaica #jamaicans #jamaicandiaspora #philadelphia #philly taken in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania by @ignitechangeja

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5 days ago

My 🇯🇲 Northeast Family, a time fi we link up!

The 2026 Northeast USA Jamaica Diaspora Conference is coming to Philadelphia on October 23–24, 2026! 💛💚🖤

Bringing together Jamaicans and friends of Jamaica from across the USA Northeast, the Conference is an opportunity to connect, build relationships, exchange ideas, and turn our shared culture and passion into action.

💼 Jamaican Diaspora Youth/Young Professional Session
“Identity to Purpose: Turning Culture, Passion & Connection Into Action”

A dedicated youth-focused session bringing together young Jamaicans and young professionals for a conversation on identity, purpose, leadership, entrepreneurship, and creating meaningful impact in Jamaica and the Diaspora.

🎙️ Town Hall & Luncheon with Young Professionals (Ages 20–35)
Join Alando Terrelonge @alandoterrelongejm from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade @mfaftja for a town hall and luncheon focused on creating space for dialogue, connection, and ideas around Jamaica and the Diaspora.

📍 Temple University Center City Campus, Philadelphia, PA
📅 October 23–24, 2026

Whether you’re a student, young professional, entrepreneur, community leader, or simply passionate about Jamaica and the Diaspora…we want you in the room.

🎟️ Register now: link in bio. by @ignitechangeja

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12 days ago

🇯🇲 $1050 RAISED - AND WE’RE KEEPING THE MOMENTUM GOING!

In less than 24 hours, our community helped us reach $450. Now, we’ve grown that support to $1050 within a week.❤️

That means we have fully funded two A/C units and on our way to the third.

Our goal is $2,100 for four 24,000 BTU A/C units — one for each of four schools in Western Jamaica:

📍 Cambridge Infant School — St. James
📍 Mount Carey Infant School — St. James
📍 Spot Valley High School — St. James
📍 Mount Ward Primary School — Hanover

We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has donated, shared the campaign, connected us to others, and helped move this effort forward.

And we’re excited to welcome two new community partners:

🤝 @ignitechangeja
🤝 @ywop.ymop

Thank you for joining us in helping restore comfortable learning environments for Jamaica’s children.

We’re just $1050 away from fully funding the last two A/Cs.
Donation link in bio and on Zeffy - https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/yfe-ac-initiative-2

One school. One A/C. One step closer.

🇯🇲 Help us turn recovery into renewal.
@youthsforexcellence @samuelsconstruction__ @dunnsjamaica @sankofa.events1957 @ashajrichards @shepherdjenine

#JamaicaSchoolRecovery #TurnRecoveryIntoRenewal #Jamaica #SchoolRecovery #EducationMatters JamaicanDiaspora CommunityPartnership by @ignitechangeja

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16 days ago

🇯🇲Hear directly from a Birthright participant, Josiah Royes, about the experience, the connections, and what it meant to reconnect with Jamaica and his heritage. Josiah is studying finance and international business @hofstrau @csahofstra .

Sometimes, you don’t fully understand the impact of knowing where you come from until you experience it for yourself.

If you’re 1st–3rd generation Jamaican, this could be your opportunity to deepen your connection to the land, culture, people, and stories that helped shape your family’s journey.

📣 Applications close November 30th!

Your Jamaican story deserves to be experienced @gracekennedygrp .

#birthright #jamaicans #jamerican #culturalimmersion #yaad by @ignitechangeja

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23 days ago

🇯🇲 1st–3rd Generation Jamaicans, this opportunity is for YOU!

Your connection to Jamaica is more than where your parents or grandparents were born, it’s a part of your story, your identity, and your heritage.

The GraceKennedy Birthright Program, @gracekennedygrp , is an opportunity for young Jamaicans in the diaspora to deepen their connection to Jamaica, experience the culture, build meaningful relationships, and learn more about the country that is part of your family’s story.

📣 Applications are open until November 30th.
Share this with your siblings, cousins, friends, and the next generation of Jamaican changemakers!

Know your roots. Experience your culture. Carry the legacy forward. 🇯🇲

#jamaicans #jamaicandiaspora #birthright #internship #jamaicanamerican by @ignitechangeja

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25 days ago

🇯🇲 🇯🇲 One School. One A/C. Restore Comfortable Learning Environments.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, many schools in Western Jamaica are still rebuilding. I’m proud to be working with @youthsforexcellence to help restore comfortable learning environments for students and teachers at four schools:

📍 Cambridge Infant School, St. James
📍 Mount Carey Infant School, St. James
📍 Spot Valley High School, St. James
📍 Mount Ward Primary School, Hanover

🏫 4 Schools. 4 A/C Units. $2,100 Goal.

Thanks to the generous support of @dunnsjamaica, each A/C unit is available to us at a discounted cost of $525. That means $525 can sponsor an entire unit for one school, but donations of any amount are welcome!

This is just the beginning of our broader restoration initiative, which includes solar power systems, library technology, and books.

Led by @youthsforexcellence in partnership with @samuelsconstruction__ and @dunnsjamaica , we’re bringing together partners in Jamaica and the diaspora to turn recovery into renewal. 💚

Please consider donating and sharing with your networks!

🔗 DONATE THROUGH THE LINK IN MY BIO OR QR!

#Jamaica #HurricaneMelissa #EducationRecovery #JamaicanDiaspora #schools by @ignitechangeja

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25 days ago

How would you ignite change in your community?

This question is at the core of the work we do.

At Ignite Jamaica Fund, we ignite change, inspire generations, and invest in our future.

We are founded on the belief that education can ignite a spark that no one can put out.

Because when we invest in education, we’re not just investing in students. We’re investing in generations. We’re investing in communities. We’re investing in the future.

#ignitechangeja #ignitejamaica #youthempowerment #changemakers #futureleaders taken in Christiana, Manchester, Jamaica by @ignitechangeja

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a month ago