Children First Jamaica is a Jamaican non-profit community organization that has been making a significant impact on the lives of children and adolescents for the past 25 years. Located in Spanish Town, Children First offers a wide range of life-changing programs for young people between the ages of 10 and 24. These programs focus on social, educational, and training opportunities, empowering young individuals and their families to overcome poverty and enhance their daily lives through skills training and small business projects.

What sets Children First apart is its unique approach, which involves active engagement with children and young people, their families, communities, and relevant institutions. The organization has been recognized both locally and internationally for its participatory approach, ensuring that young clients have a say in decision-making processes at the board level. Children First's mission is to improve the life opportunities of street, working, and vulnerable children and enable their contribution to society.

Their vision is to create a Jamaica in which children are active participants in a country that respects, protects, and fulfills their rights, providing them with the opportunity to develop to their full potential, free from abuse and neglect. Children First operates several impactful programs and projects. The Youth Wellness Center provides essential services and support to combat the risk of contracting HIV/AIDS, while their innovative initiative, Bashy Bus Kru, empowers young people across the island by providing sexual and reproductive health information services.

Project GYAL is an advocacy and empowerment campaign aimed at reducing gender-based violence (GBV) in Jamaica, while Man Amp'd focuses on impacting, empowering, and resocializing vulnerable young men through targeted interventions and skills training. The Anti-Bullying Project works to build capacity among key stakeholders and caregivers to identify and respond to bullying, and the Spotlight Initiative is a global campaign aimed at eliminating all forms of violence against women and girls by 2030. To support their crucial work, Children First is currently running a #25for25 fundraiser in celebration of their 25th anniversary.

The organization is asking supporters to contribute and share the campaign with 25 friends and family members, aiming to reach a target of $25,000. The funds raised will directly support their programs and initiatives for Jamaica's most vulnerable populations. Stay connected with Children First through their website, social media platforms, and blog, and consider making a donation to help create a brighter future for Jamaica's children