JMMB Joan Duncan Foundation Sparks Innovation and Inclusion for Youth, Islandwide

“Honestly, it could have been another week,” shared Danae Palmer, an enthusiastic camper from the SCATE Sustainable Engineering Camp for Teens, reflecting on her experience. “We wouldn’t have had all of this amazingness without the sponsors.”

This summer, the JMMB Joan Duncan Foundation brought that “amazingness” to life for hundreds of youths across Jamaica, through its sponsorship of eleven transformative summer camps. With an investment of over JMD $2 million, the Foundation created safe, empowering spaces for children and teens to learn, grow, and dream—spanning STEM, literacy, special needs support, and environmental education.

Among the standout initiatives was the SCATE Sustainable Engineering Camp for Teens, hosted at the UWI Faculty of Engineering. The Foundation’s support enabled full participation for 60 at-risk youth, providing meals, transportation, and access to hands-on learning in climate-conscious engineering. Campers built solar fans, water harvesting systems, and eco-infrastructure models, while engaging with experts and visiting sites like the Soleco Solar Farm and CEMEX Sustainability Garden.

Mr. Colin Christie (second from left), certified energy master, shows SCATE campers the inner workings of solar power systems during the one-week Sustainable Engineering Camp for Teens, held at the UWI Faculty of Engineering in July.
 

Kim Mair, CEO of the JMMB Joan Duncan Foundation, expressed her satisfaction in the impact of this year’s partnerships: “We are deeply gratified by the outcomes of our summer camp sponsorships. Each programme we supported this year reflects our commitment to nation-building through education, inclusion, and mindset transformation. Whether through literacy, STEM, special needs support, or environmental awareness, these camps created safe spaces for young people to explore their potential, build confidence, and connect with purpose. We are honoured to have played a role in empowering Jamaica’s youth and look forward to the continued impact of these partnerships.”

In addition to SCATE, the Foundation funded several other impactful camps this summer. These included Justice For Peace International, which provided literacy intervention for underserved youth in Spanish Town; Camp Hello!, a specialized programme for children with complex communicative needs and their caregivers; and Marine Mania Summer Camps, which

introduced children aged 6 to 17 to environmental education and eco-friendly practices. The Foundation also supported the WWKIDS Summer Fun Reading Programme, which delivered literacy support across six schools in Clarendon, St. Catherine, and Manchester; Captain Altitude, which promoted STEM and aviation awareness for children aged 5 to 13; Kingston YMCA’s aquatics and arts-based development camp for youth aged 5 to 14; and the SEYA Youth Camp, which offered wholesome spiritual and recreational engagement for over 120 campers. Through these partnerships, the Foundation ensured that a wide cross-section of Jamaica’s youth had access to safe, enriching, and purpose-driven summer experiences.

As the Foundation continues to champion transformational development, it invites other corporate and community partners to join in supporting initiatives that foster resilience, innovation, and holistic growth. To learn more about the Foundation’s work, visit www.joanduncanfoundation.org.