About Us

Our Focus

We provide one-to-one coaching, after-school tutoring, and as-needed projects like school refurbishments, as well as permanent programs that run throughout the year. These include our pet-care classes, introducing children to the joys and responsibilities of pet ownership; and our tea-party for teens program, to empower young girls, celebrate womanhood, and debunk some of the myths around menstruation.

We concentrate on programs that have a long-term, and sustainable impact -- where, through education and resources -- we can provide children with experiences and knowledge that help them realise the world of opportunities open to them. We give children a reason to dream bigger about their future, and then turn those dreams into success that benefits everyone on the island!

The Island of Saint Lucia

Saint Lucia is a small island in the West Indies, where an estimated 150,000 people, over 80% of the population, live in rural communities. There are an estimated 21,500 children under the age of 10 and from the most recent government data (2016), only 53% (N 1,279) of students who sat the national Common Entrance Examinations were at or above the national mean score. There are around 74 primary schools serving these children, but 35% (N 26) of them have a pupil-teacher ratio equal to, or over the U.S. national average.

The island relies heavily on tourism, with over 21% (N 21,476) of the total labor force employed as service and sales workers. Many families are still struggling from the ongoing impact that COVID had on tourism to the island, as well as the global economic situation. There were not the same level of furlough or economic support programs put in place which resulted in many families having no wage coming in –- few tourists were able to enter the island for 18 months, and then (to protect the single hospital) strict requirements were in place until early 2022. Youth unemployment in 2021 was 42%.

Our Team

Lisa Jarvis

Colleen Edwards

Kim William

Our founder and local children painting calabash bowls

Founder and CEO

IRIE is a Caribbean word meaning "A state of wellbeing". Irie Kids, Inc. was formed in 2016 on the belief that all children should have the opportunity to thrive and be happy, no matter the circumstance. We provide resources and training at no cost to youth, schools and communities.

Kim William

Colleen Edwards

Kim William

Board Member, Executive Director
Kim is our "Boots On The Ground" coordinator in Saint Lucia. Kim has years of experience managing projects and heads up our children's advocacy group on the island

Colleen Edwards

Board Member, Programs Executive Director

Colleen has a bachelors degree in Elementary Education, TESOL Certification and has worked with the United States Peace Corps. Working in foreign countries has allowed her the opportunity to invest time in Youth Development Programs and Conservation efforts.

Sarah Giles

Denise Breakall

Colleen Edwards

Board Member, Executive Director

Sarah was born in the UK, is a citizen of Saint Lucia, and splits her time between there and Seattle. Traveling the world allowed her to appreciate how fortunate she was to have a happy childhood, and she loves working to help others reach their potential and build their own story.

Candice Brabant

Denise Breakall

Board Member

Denise Breakall

Board Member

Tony Schimmel

DeeAnn Schimmel

Board Member

DeeAnn Schimmel

Board Member

More About the Charity, the Island, Our Team, and our Donors

The Charity

Our Focus

The Island of Saint Lucia

Our Team

Lisa Jarvis

Colleen Edwards

Kim William

Kim William

Colleen Edwards

Kim William

Colleen Edwards

Colleen Edwards

Colleen Edwards

Sarah Giles

Denise Breakall

Colleen Edwards

Candice Brabant

Denise Breakall

Denise Breakall

Denise Breakall

Denise Breakall

Denise Breakall

Tony Schimmel

DeeAnn Schimmel

DeeAnn Schimmel

DeeAnn Schimmel

DeeAnn Schimmel

DeeAnn Schimmel

Our Donors

Our 2023 Corporate Partners

Our 2022 Corporate Donors