Colleen Hinds, Photo from Echoing Green

A few weeks ago I had the privilege of meeting some of the finalists for the echoing green fellowship.  Colleen Hinds’ idea—the creation of boarding schools, the Jamaica Leadership Academy,  to combat brain drain in Jamaica and foster interest in social change—really stood out to me so I asked her if she would let me interview her.  Once again, her thoughtfulness and insight continue to inspire me and I hope you all enjoy it as well!  She is also looking for enthusiastic people to help her move forward so please contact her if you would like to get involved.

What was the inspiration behind this idea?

The inspiration behind The Jamaica Leadership Academy has come from several sources. I would say the biggest contributors have been growing up hearing about the large disparity in educational experience and opportunity my parents experienced in Jamaica, with one going to a top boarding school and later to Law School in the states and the other, based on economics and access, not being able to complete secondary school.  This problem became of more interest to me as I saw this mirrored in my own experience.

When my family moved to the suburbs of South Jersey, I left the private Catholic School experience behind in Paterson NJ to attend an equally high quality public school in the suburbs.  I thought to myself “why wasn’t this good public/free education afforded to every child regardless of where they lived?”

As I completed my M.A. abroad in 2006, I spent ½ of the year in Jamaica and the other ½ in London.  There, I chose to look at the feasibility of community boarding schools as a way to create an intentional community that nurtures intellectual potential and social development. In Jamaica I spent time at schools that ran the gamut of the elite government schools, the skill training school, and the All-Age schools that stop formal education at grade 9.  It was in this space that I decided to effect change for the disempowered many falling through the chasm between the “best” schools and the “worst”.  The mission of The Jamaica Leadership Academy is not only to provide a college-preparatory opportunity and safety, but also to create a pipeline of capable and experienced graduates passionate about invigorating the many in need areas of Jamaican society for decades to come.

How has your idea been received in Jamaica?

I have been so overwhelmed with the positive support I have gotten thus far in Jamaica. Mr. Jasper Lawrence, the CEO for the Ministry of Education supported the project by organizing a presentation to a large group of stakeholders back in December.  Most recently I met with the Core Curriculum Unit to see how JLA can integrate relevant issues of social justice and raise the bar on rigor and alignment in our curriculum. A large issue is “brain drain” which we plan to counter with knowledge and experience that instills a sense of local loyalty in our alumni.

Many of my former professors at UTech and UWI have been extremely helpful as program advisors. Many others have given moral support and extended their own relationships and networks to support in anyway they can. I look forward to building new relationships of support through the larger Jamaican diaspora here in the US who will play a large role in sustainable development especially since 20% of student enrolment will be open to the larger diaspora.

What have been some of the challenges in starting your project?

Really the largest challenge thus far has been accessing additional Human Capital. As a full time administrator at a charter school in New Jersey, people have been surprised at how much energy I have been able to put into The Jamaica Leadership Academy. Despite the time restraints, I have made it a priority to take 5 trips to Jamaica in the past 12 months to continue the process of planning and implementation. I would love to find someone equally passionate (and disturbed) by the disparity that continues to persist in Jamaica’s educational system, to come on board.

Another challenge has been finding sustainable funding prospects. One of the major challenges of bringing access to quality education for all of Jamaica’s children is grounded in funding. For a nation that spends nearly 60% of its income on debt repayment, there is very little left for capital investment in social services that include education. Currently, there is a deficit of secondary school spaces that come close to 3,000.

Although our model takes this into consideration by covering nearly 25% of all expenses through sustainable development projects such as renewable wind energy and a community barter system called STEP, we need several committed capital investors to build a campus that provides safety, develops intellect in science and technology labs and nurtures social development so that these children can go on to compete for spots in top universities around the world and ultimately return to effect large scale change for the social and economic dilemmas plaguing the country.

Lastly, because there has not been a radical transformation of education in Jamaica in decades, the idea of Charter Schools, that combine autonomous partnerships and firm accountability, is largely foreign.  Shifting the mindset of those government entities, teachers, parents and communities alike who label children as “worthless” will be a long and tedious process.  JLA will show the world that “average” and underperforming children, who have a fierce ambition, can become extra-ordinary people with hard work, opportunity and lots of affirmation.

What resources have been helpful?

So far, ordinary, bright and interested people have been the most helpful. From friends who have taken time out of their schedule to travel to Jamaica with me and sign up as my applicant coaches, to parents who continue to champion me every step of the way.

Professionally, going through the rigorous applicant process for the Echoing Green Fellowship has been extremely helpful in clarifying the nuances of the model that had not previously been developed. It forced me to think critically and plan strategically. Teach for America’s Social Entrepreneur Initiative has been helpful in seeing me through the last phase of the Echoing Green application process.

What advice do you have for those who want to start their own school?

I don’t know if I’m the best person to give this advice (yet) but I would use the old saying “measure twice, cut once”.  It is really, really important to get on the ground and do the research. Find out if what you WANT to do, will meet the need of those who you are trying to serve!  Humble yourself and seek resources. Use every obstacle as a learning lesson. Lastly, I would say listen closely to the nay-sayers and use their criticism as mortar, to fill the gaps in your idea.  If is something you are truly passionate about, keep pushing forward and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

What kind of support do you need now?

At this moment, The Jamaica Leadership Academy needs committed seed money to start a pilot day school model in 2010.  The good thing about new social initiatives is that it is fertile ground to gain valuable experience.  We need someone with non-profit development experience or one looking to gain that experience who can spearhead long-term sustainable development. We also need someone to manage the communications and social networking that will be critical to investing the larger diaspora in the UK, Cananda and here in the U.S.

You don’t have to be Jamaican to help! For the many that see Jamaica as a paradise location for summer vacation, those who have connected with the warm local families, and those who have a cultural conscience that longs for home, we need you!

Can people contact you if they want to help out/get involved?

Of course! People who have an interest, a passion, or expertise that may help support the mission of JLA can definitely contact me directly through the website www.jaleadershipacademy.com or by email at founder@jaleadershipacademy.com. I am in the process of organizing at will voluntary tasks that anyone interested can do after a brief orientation to the mission and vision.