This assessment explores the role that gender plays in boys' and girls' development, performance, and outcomes in school, with the goal of unearthing strategies that could address differential performance and impact. The research examines the nature and function of gender dynamics in teaching and learning at home, at school, and in the wider society. USAID/Jamaica commissioned this study to determine the reasons for, and possible interventions to address, the underachievement of male students.

Prompted by the U.S. State Department’s classification of Jamaica as a country failing to meet minimum standards to combat human trafficking, USAID/Jamaica requested an anti-trafficking assessment. This assessment analyzes the current situation and recommends the programmatic support necessary to assist the country’s efforts to combat human trafficking. It concludes that Jamaica is a country of origin, transit and destination in the trafficking of persons, particularly trafficking in children, with both foreign and national victims.

This report presents the findings of a school-related gender-based violence (SRGBV) assessment, which was conducted in April 2005 by a team from the Washington, D.C.-based Safe Schools Program. The primary objective of the assessment trip was to better understand the nature of SRGBV in the Jamaican context. The report summarizes the major issues observed during the assessment, suggests specific actions for implementation at the national, institutional, community and individual levels, and discusses specific programming options, as well as potential partners and collaborations.