Sandals Emerald Bay
Join the Sandals Foundation share the gift of reading and end food insecurity for a healthier tomorrow. Bring along 5 pounds of story and activity books that cover the themes of healthy eating, gardening and the importance of trees on your upcoming vacation and together we can turn hunger into hope!
The Sandals Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Sandals Resorts International, supports education for those in need through its Adopted Schools Program across the Caribbean. From providing teaching training, supplies, and needed equipment to assisting with basic maintenance and building upgrades, The Sandals Foundation seeks to bring these schools to better standards so young minds can flourish. Additionally, The Sandals Foundation supports the education of young mothers through the PACE Foundation in the Bahamas.
Guests may also get involved and give back while on vacation with the Reading Road Trip through Island Routes. Through this voluntourism initiative, visitors can volunteer (for a nominal fee which includes the cost of round trip transportation) 2 hours of their time at one of The Sandals Foundation's adopted schools and interact with children and help them with their literacy skills.
We ask that guests give their donated items to our front desks. We do this to ensure that the items are distributed to many schools in the respective regions and not just the schools that have the Reading Road Trip.
Project #1
Great Exuma High School in Nassau, The Bahamas, serves 445 children from ages 12 through 17 years old.
L. N. Coakley Secondary High School serves 435 children ages 12 through 17 years old.
Project #2
The Forest Primary School, George Town Primary School, Moss Town Primary School, Mt. Thompson Primary School, Roker’s Point Primary School, Rolleville Primary School, Stuart Manor Primary School, and Williams Town Primary School are all located on the island of Exuma. These small but unique schools are serving a total of 546 students ranging in grades K4 through 6, from ages 4 through 9 years old. We have extended our Reading Road Trip program to students from grades 1 through 3.
The Sandals Foundation has made contributions to the school of a full computer lab, water coolers, school clean-ups, school graduations and other calendar events. Weekly Reading Road Trips benefit from the donations of guests.
Project #3
Exuma School for the Gifted founded for the mentally challenged students on the Island of Exuma. The school is located on the eastern side of the island in the Hoopers Bay Exuma. The Foundation makes donations of craft supplies and special gifts and treats. Exuma School has 14 students from ages 4 through 6 years old.
Project #4
The PACE Foundation in Nassau, Bahamas provides access to continued education programs for 25 teen mothers. In addition to helping with coping mechanisms, the Centre prepares its student mothers academically and socially for re-entry into secondary school, a technical and vocational center or the job market.
Together we can help prevent absenteeism that can interrupt their developmental progress by donating feminine care products which are sometimes expensive and out of their reach.
Initiatives Supported
![Sandals Emerald Bay](https://www.packforapurpose.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Sandals-Bahamas-Polaroid.jpg?x11355)
Listed on this page are the specific needs requested by the community project(s) so you can choose exactly what to pack for a purpose and express your gratitude to the local community with the supplies you take them. If you prefer, you may reach out directly to them to inquire about items which may be available for purchase locally. Arranging visits to community projects is beyond the scope of our mission. If you wish to visit a project, contact the participant and they can let you know what is possible.
Candy and balloons are not on the needs list as they are harmful for the children and the environment for the following reasons:
• Few of the children benefiting from these projects have access to toothpaste, toothbrushes, or a dentist. The candy promotes cavities.
• The balloons once they become deflated are a choking hazard for local wildlife.
Instead of taking candy or balloons, use that space for additional requested supplies, as they are priceless.