Children of Jamaica Outreach (COJO) Inc., a New York-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting underserved youth in Jamaica, is preparing for its annual mission trip to Jamaica from May 18 to 24, 2025.
The week-long initiative will culminate in the highly anticipated Scholarship Awards Luncheon on Wednesday, May 21, at The Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, where 18 deserving wards of the state will receive scholarships to pursue tertiary education—the largest scholarship donation in the organization’s 30-year history.
Gary Williams, COJO’s Founder and Executive Director, shared his enthusiasm about returning to Jamaica for this milestone event. “It’s always a privilege to invest in the lives of Jamaica’s youth,” said Williams. “This year’s mission is especially important as we expand our efforts to support more students and impact the development of underserved youth.”
In addition to the scholarship awards, COJO will continue its vital work supporting the Granville Place of Safety in Trelawny. On Friday, May 23, COJO will partner with Bahia Principe Jamaica to host a special luncheon for residents of the facility. Earlier that day, Granville Place of Safety will receive a donation of essential appliances from COJO, reinforcing the charity’s commitment to improving the living conditions of children in state care.
This year’s mission trip is made possible by generous support from partners, including Bahia Principe Jamaica, Dr. Sandra L. Lindsay, JetBlue, and CARIMED. Their collaboration strengthens COJO’s ability to uplift vulnerable youth and bolster communities throughout Jamaica.
Since its founding in 1994, COJO has remained dedicated to enriching the lives of underprivileged children in both Jamaica and the United States. Through scholarships, mentorship, and critical resources, the organization continues to offer hope and opportunity to those who need it most.
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About Children of Jamaica Outreach (COJO) Inc.
Our Mission:
Children of Jamaica Outreach, Inc. COJO, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in New York, whose mission is to help improve the health, education and general well-being of underserved children in Jamaica and the United States.
The Vision:
Children of Jamaica Outreach (COJO) Inc., a New York based Jamaican charity, is the brainchild of Gary Williams who started the organization in 1994 as a way of giving back to his homeland. Passionate about wanting to make a difference, he believed the best way to do so was to invest in the children, forming a partnership with the then Child Development Agency (CDA), now the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA). Since inception, COJO has provided support and assistance for a number of child care institutions and facilities under its aegis, and in 2012 expanded that strategic alliance to include scholarships to deserving state wards enrolled in a tertiary institution.
The Birth of An Idea:
COJO is an offshoot of the name, CUDJOE, the Maroon leader, who rebelled against slavery by the British in 19th Century Jamaica. Captain Cudjoe was a proud warrior who took a stand against colonial oppression and fought the British for the freedom of his people. In this regard, COJO exemplifies duty, courage, strength and commitment in championing the cause of needy children in both the national and international arenas. Spanning the shores of the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea from the cosmopolitan neighborhood of Queens, New York to the vibrant melting pot of Jamaica, a network of dedicated individuals are working to improve the lives of less fortunate children.
COJO’s values are built on the foundation that children are our greatest asset and must be provided with services that will improve their existing conditions. COJO continues to champion the cause of disadvantaged children and continues to reach across miles positively impacting lives.
COJO Executive Board
- Gary Williams, COJO Founder
- Sharon Locke-Stoney, Board Chair
- Marjorie Phillips Laroche, Vice Chair
- Mark A. Crawford, Esq., Legal Counsel
- Paulette Taylor, Finance
- Marcia Erskine, Communications Consultant
- Lyndon Taylor, Communications Director
Source: Caribbean National Weekly
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