Jamaica’s Promise started in 2001 when Ambassador Audrey Marks approached the then- U.S. Secretary of State, Jamaican-American General Colin Powell, asking for his support in creating a foundation modeled after his America’s Promise founda- tion, specifically catering to Jamaica. Since then, in her capacity as the patron for Jamaica’s Promise, Ambassador Marks has continued to develop a comprehensive system by which to support Jamaica’s youths; through mediums ranging from scholarship funds and fundraising to direct mentorship. Jamaica’s Promise seeks to mobilize resources from Jamaicans both at home & abroad, and friends of Jamaica, for the purpose of alleviating the social conditions, lack of education and skill training on the Island. Inspired by America’s Promise, Jamaica’s Promise targets young people between the ages of 0 to 25 who are unable to pursue their education or skill training due to economic challenges. Jamaica’s Promise will increase access to invaluable resources and opportunities for these at-risk youths. We are a voluntary, non-profit organization that provides the resources and support needed by local organizations to improve the education and training of young people from disadvantaged circumstances and communities and your financial and or technical support as a sponsor will be vital in the successful execution of our development and humanitarian projects. Just as America’s Promise Alliance is the largest cross-sector alliance of nonprofit, community organizations, businesses, and government organization dedicated to improving the lives of young people in the United States, Jamaica’s Promise intends to bring together the private and public sector with the common goal of advancing the welfare of Jamaica’s underprivileged youths. 27 27