Life's Work began informally in March of 1996 out of the pockets of Jamaica AIDS Support employees. In June of 1996, Life's Work received formal funding from GTZ in the sum of $21,850(J)
The programme was started in response to the many persons in the JAS support groups living with HIV/AIDS who lost their job or were unable to find work because of their HIV status. Many had nothing to do and were feeling unproductive and depressed.
Participants began with painting flower pots for sale at local craft markets. Eventually, we realised that the pot market was not going to last, and we turned to candle-making. Peace Corps volunteers added the soap and card projects to the Ocho Rios and Montego Bay offices in 1999.
Workers are paid by the number of products completed. Levels of participation vary due to fluctuating physical and emotional health. We attempt to pay as much as possible without going into debt, and are also able to use profits to donate to the growth of the programme.
Since the start of the project thirteen men and women in Kingston have participated in the programme, earning anything from $15 ro $31,595J. A project coordinator supervises candle-making, acquires supplies, pays participants and provides support to the group. One participant who has been with the project since inception works in a leadership role.
In Montego Bay, there are currently 15 men and women participating in the project, and over 80 have done so since it began in 1999. The card project enables clients to earn enough income for transport to doctor visits and support groups, and one third of the proceeds go to the JAS medication fund, which the volunteer doctor uses to purchase much needed medications for the men, women, and children currently being served in the Montego Bay area.
Part of what contributed to the therapeutic benefits of this programme is the active sensation that occurs when PLWHA deal with the community on a professional working level. The visible presence of our workers at markets and the relationships formed between ourselves and other companies leads to a better understanding of the issues surrounding HIV/AIDS and compassion towards PLWHA.
Starfish Oils has been instrumental with the candle project, giving advice and technical assistance. The owner was very willing to provide us with some jobs to complete, and candlemakers have come to the JAS offices in Kingston to train the participants. Initially, her staff expressed hesitancy to work with PLWHA, but two representatives from JAS held an AIDS education and sensitivity workshop, and within a week Starfish employees were conducting training -- and signed up for free HIV tests. Another company, Mountain Faces, has hired five of our participants to weave hemp and bead necklaces.
