Natasha Borota, president of The It Factor Ltd., which handles the administration for the Helping Hands of Jamaica Foundation (Source: Natasha Borota)
This year, the Helping Hands Jamaica Foundation (HHJF) marked its 20th anniversary with the 28th School Build Mission, a voluntourism trip to Treasure Beach, which included 18 travel advisors invited by the Jamaica Tourist Board to join the rebuilding of Fyffes Pen Infant and Primary School in one of the oldest and largest parishes, St. Elizabeth.
TravelPulse caught up with Natasha Borota, president of The It Factor Ltd, which has handled the administration for the HHJF, and Edmund Bartlett, Jamaica’s minister of tourism, to learn more about the foundation.
TravelPulse (TP): How and why was the Helping Hands Foundation created?
Natasha Borota (NB): HHJF was founded on a simple belief of founder Karl Hale: every child deserves the opportunity to learn in a safe, inspiring environment. More than 20 years ago, a group of passionate Canadians recognized that while education has the power to change lives, many schools in Jamaica lacked the facilities children needed to reach their full potential. That vision became Helping Hands Jamaica Foundation. The motto of HHJF is ‘Participate, Educate, Elevate’ because we believe that by providing the opportunity for an education, we can eliminate the barriers to a child’s success.
TP: How has it evolved over the years?
NB: While education has always remained the Foundation's mission, its impact has grown significantly over the past two decades. What began as a grassroots effort has evolved into one of Canada’s longest-running charitable school-building initiatives in Jamaica.
Along the way, Helping Hands has developed strong partnerships with educators, local communities, government representatives, volunteers, donors, and corporate supporters who all share a commitment to improving educational opportunities. The Foundation has also expanded the volunteer experience.
Participants don’t simply help build a school – they become immersed in Jamaican culture, form meaningful relationships with the communities they serve, and return home with a deeper understanding of the country and its people.
TP: What was the feedback from advisors who participated in the Helping Hands School Build Mission earlier this month?
NB: The response was overwhelmingly positive. The Jamaica Tourist Board invited 18 travel advisors from across Canada and the U.S. to participate in the Helping Hands School Build Mission, where they joined volunteers to help complete the rebuilding of Fyffes Pen Infant and Primary School in St. Elizabeth.
For many advisors, it was a life-changing experience. Working alongside local tradespeople, teachers, HHJF volunteers, and community members gave them the opportunity to experience Jamaica in a way few visitors ever do.
They witnessed firsthand the resilience of the community, the warmth of the Jamaican people, and the incredible pride that comes with opening the doors of a new school. Beyond the island's natural beauty, they saw the South Coast destination rich in culture, community, and purpose.
TP: What advice do you have for travel advisors on qualifying travelers for HHFJ projects?
NB: Today’s travelers are increasingly looking for experiences that are authentic, meaningful, and leave a positive impact. Helping Hands School Build Missions are ideal for clients who want to connect directly with Jamaica and its communities. These are travelers who value cultural immersion, community engagement, and the opportunity to give back while they travel.
The mission isn’t about construction experience – it’s about having an open heart and a willingness to become part of a community, even for a short time.
For travel advisors, it’s about asking different questions. Instead of simply asking where clients want to go, ask how they want to feel when they come home. Many are looking for purpose alongside excursions and relaxation, and a Helping Hands mission offers both.
TP: What are some of the foundation’s upcoming projects?
NB: Helping Hands Jamaica Foundation is currently planning its 29th School Build Mission, scheduled for July 2027, and is in the process of investigating qualified schools and communities.
In addition, we’re continuing our commitment to disaster recovery, having already completed three school restoration projects for schools impacted by Hurricane Melissa, with ongoing support of a few others still underway.
We’re also excited about our sustainability initiatives. Following the successful completion of a pilot solar project at Triumphant Basic School, we’re now fundraising to expand solar energy to the Foundation's 27 previously built schools, helping create more resilient and sustainable learning environments for Jamaica's children. Our next fundraiser is on Oct. 8, 2026, at Palais Royale in Toronto.
TP: Why are partnerships like this important to Jamaica's tourism industry?
Jamaica Prime Minister Edmund Bartlett (Photo Credit: Jamaica Tourist Board)
Edmund Bartlett (EB): Helping Hands has spent 20 years supporting communities across the island. Partnerships like Helping Hands are important because tourism is about people, and the heart of Jamaica’s tourism offering has always been our people. Bringing together our communities and tourism partners showcases Jamaica's many vibrant layers and provides travelers with experiences that are meaningful and memorable.
It was heartwarming to witness the passion of all the volunteers in real time as they worked to rebuild a school during the 20th-anniversary Helping Hands trip.
TP: How does participating in a school build or community project give visitors a different perspective on Jamaica beyond a traditional vacation?
EB: Travelers visit Jamaica year after year to experience the natural beauty of the island and enjoy our vibrant culture, but participating in a community project offers an opportunity to experience the destination in a more personal way. It allows visitors to step beyond the traditional vacation experience and gain insight into the everyday life, traditions, and stories of the communities they visit. These interactions leave travelers with a greater understanding of the culture that makes Jamaica one of the Caribbean’s most celebrated destinations.
TP: What message would you like travel advisors and their clients to take away about experiencing Jamaica?
EB: Jamaica is a place where every corner of the island has a story to share. Travel advisors play an important role in helping their clients discover new experiences and creating itineraries that showcase the spirit of the island, from visiting local markets and meeting artisans to enjoying authentic cuisine and engaging with Jamaica’s rich music and cultural traditions. These experiences allow travelers to connect more deeply with the people and traditions that bring Jamaica’s culture to life.
TP: How do programs like Helping Hands align with Jamaica’s vision for the future of tourism?
EB: A strong future for tourism means creating experiences that are both enriching for visitors and beneficial to the places they choose to explore. Programs like Helping Hands align with Jamaica’s vision for the future of tourism by encouraging meaningful connections between travelers and local communities. Before arriving on the island, visitors can explore initiatives offered through their host hotels, tourism partners and other local organizations.
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