Alpha Boys’ Association for Poor & Disadvantaged Children Ltd
	Past pupils of Alpha in support of Alpha homes and the youths they served - enabling them to voice their formative experiences
About Us	In describing poverty in Jamaica, DFID (the Department for International Development) wrote that “the poor tend to have low level of educational attainment, and are often unemployed … (that) poverty disproportionately affects the young … (that) half of those living in poverty are children, and the mean age of those in poverty is 22.4 years; (that) urban poverty is linked to crime, violence and garrisoned communities … (and that) inner city dwellers are often stigmatised and excluded from employment and access to public goods.” (Country Assistance Plan – October 2005). ABAPDC Ltd knows only too well many of the above assertions. Our concern is the vulnerable situations the young are placed in even when being in care might have been an initial positive experience. The reality is that the continued life chances of poor young people largely rest on ongoing support within the community, and on the possibility of being constructively active, experiencing further “sheltered” living, or being gainfully employed. For these reasons ABAPDC Ltd fundraise to enable its community implementation group, “Aiding 3-D Youths” in Jamaica to make links with a variety of community-based organisations to enable the kind of support and financial assistance that encourage or offer an alternative to lives of idleness, crime and violence. To those exasperated with news of crime and violence in Jamaica, we invite you to join and/or support us in making a difference to the youths of Jamaica. Feel free to email or write to us for more information. Respect to Dr Sandra Richards-Mayo PhD, the daughter and niece of two former alumni, Victor (seen here with Sandra on her “big day”) and John Richards. Sandra received her doctorate in May 2006 from Claremont Graduate University, California, for her work on “educational and vocational training in Jamaica's youth homes”, with a particular focus on the Alpha Boys' School and Home. Sandra involved scores of past pupils of “Alpha” in and during her studies, to date making her work fairly unique. ABAPDC is proud of Sandra and her work – and so Sandra, we say “nuff respect” to you and your parents. Donations to assist and support the work of ABAPDC in Jamaica are very much appreciated. For information on secure on-line donation, click the "Donate" link below. Donate View our guest book or sign our guest book	Menu Alpha Music Photo album Roll of Honour Message board Our Work in Jamaica Tributes to Sr Iggy Contact Others Congrats Sandra Charity Status Yorkie Shaw Fundraising Mash It Up “He ain’t heavy – He’s my brother”
ABAPDC Ltd is a UK-based registered charity (No. 1104983) aiming to assist children and young persons at risk within the Caribbean, particularly those in Jamaica. Membership consists predominantly of alumni, the relatives and past staff of the Alpha schools. As such we understandably welcome the active support of those wanting to assist the socially disadvantaged, disaffected or disabled young people. From experience we know such youths are usually estranged from badly needed family life; and that in the absence of ongoing support within or in preparation for life in the community, they are prone to succumbing to lives of unemployment, crime and even violence. “Alpha Cottage” or the Boys & Girls schools of Alpha embodies the interplay of dedication, childhood struggles and achievements in which this “family” of boys and girls has been cared for over 125 years – many becoming renown for their talents and personal achievements. Founded and run by the Sisters of Mercy, “Alpha” has a unique story to tell, often somewhat mirroring the struggles of Jamaica itself. ABAPDC’s mission is to enable and add to the success of that story for Alpha and beyond. You are invited to be a part of it through giving, actively supporting and/or sharing how it affected you then, or in being a part of it now. Membership is open to all who are aware of Alpha and want to find out how they can (still) be an active part of this institution of ongoing care. Choose to be a Full, an Associate or an Overseas member by clicking here.
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