I am offering a college course to be based in TB this summer. It is a four credit course offered at the University of Illinois at Springfield. Students will be involved in service learning with community groups in the TB area. If you are interested contact Jan Droegkamp at droegkamp@uis.edu

The dates for the course at May 16-June 6.

You can join the group even if you are not intending to earn college credit.

The deadline for enrolling in the UIS course/program "Jamaican Society" from 16 May-June 6 is April 22, 2004. Please contact me as soon as possible if you are interested. droegkamp@uis.edu

We will be working with TB Women's Group, the Calabash Literary Festival, God's School, Sandy Bank Basic School and possible Sandy Bank Primary and Malvern Science Center. Students will have a chance to work side by side with Jamaican counterparts to provide a service for the Treasure Beach community.

Thank you to TB for the wonderful hosting job they did with my students. Rose, Krissy, Tommy and Aaron had a wonderful time. Thanks to Sandy Bank Basic School, Sandy Bank Primary School, the TB Women's Group and God's School for providing wonderful learning experiences for my students.

The University of Illinois is offering the course again in 2005 from 15 May to 5 June. Please email me if you are interested in hosting a student at your site or if you are a university student wanting to get college credit for working and living in TB. Jan Droegkamp

2005 Group to Arrive on May 15th. I am bringing a group of 9 students this year who will work at God's School, Sandy Bank Basic, Sandy Bank Primary School, the Treasure Beach Women's Group and Bred's. We are excited to come back and participate in this learning exchange. For more information contact Jan Droegkamp

Thank you to all of the wonderful people who helped with my University of Illinois course this year. The nine university students ranged in age from 20-77 and had a busy and fun-filled time. The teachers and principals at Sandy Bank Primary, Sandy Bank Basic and God's School were great hosts and helpful to Jackie, Jessica, Shemika, Trish and Lara. The Treasure Beach Women's Group were great "teachers" to Barb and Kathy. The mountain men Kevin and Eric worked at the Malvern Science Center and surrounding schools and were hosted by local families.

The 2006 dates are 14 May to 4 June. Contact me (droegkamp@uis.edu) if you would like to sign up for the course through the University of Illinos at Springfield (www.uis.edu)

I am planning the 2006 Jamaican society course and want to include you! Please consider signing up for a 4 credit undergraduate or graduate course or just come along. We have senior learner rates also. May 14-June 4 and we will attend the Calabash Literary Festival. Deadline for application is March 1, 2006.