During a visit to Falmouth Primary School, our founder witnessed something both inspiring and deeply troubling: a dedicated teacher quietly using her own money to buy breakfast for children who had arrived at school hungry. While moved by her compassion, it became painfully clear that this act of kindness, though noble, was not sustainable. What struck even harder was the realisation that this wasn't an isolated incident. More and more children were starting their day without a meal.

In Jamaica today, thousands of children walk into classrooms each day on an empty stomach, not by choice, but because poverty has denied them one of life's most basic needs: food. Despite their courage and the dedication of their teachers, poverty robs them of the basic nourishment required for learning and development.

Out of this crisis, 1-1 Coco was born.

Founded by a member of the Jamaican Diaspora and registered as a charity in the United Kingdom, 1-1 Coco represents the deep connection many of us abroad feel toward our roots. We are driven by the belief that giving back to those in need is both a privilege and a responsibility, no matter where in the world we are.

Inspired by the Jamaican proverb "One one coco full basket," our name embodies a simple but powerful truth: small, consistent contributions, given by many, can create lasting, transformative change.

In plain terms: We exist to relieve poverty and advance education among children and young people in Jamaica who need it most, through nutritious meals, educational support, mentoring, entrepreneurship training, and community awareness.

Our formal charitable objects, as approved by the Charity Commission for England and Wales, are:

For the public benefit:

(A) The relief of poverty among children and young people in Jamaica, particularly those from destitute families, by providing:

- Nutritious meals, specifically breakfast provision to school children

- Educational support and resources

- Basic necessities to enable school attendance and learning

(B) The advancement of education of children and young people in Jamaica by:

- Supporting access to primary and secondary education

- Providing educational materials and resources

- Raising awareness within communities about the importance and benefits of education

- Offering mentorship and guidance programmes

(C) The relief of unemployment among young people in Jamaica by:

- Providing entrepreneurship training and business development skills

- Offering mentorship for viable business creation

- Supporting youth who may not pursue traditional academic pathways

- Fostering innovation and self-reliance

In furtherance of the above objects, the CIO may also:

- Raise funds and awareness for the charitable purposes

- Collaborate with schools, community organisations, and other charities

- Conduct research into poverty, education, and youth development in Jamaica

- Provide grants or financial assistance to individuals or organisations aligned with the CIO's objects

To support destitute school children and youth in Jamaica through nutritious meal provision, educational access, mentorship, and entrepreneurial empowerment, while fostering a global culture of collective giving, one step at a time, one gift at a time, one life at a time.

Our Vision

A Jamaica where every child has the nourishment, knowledge, and support needed to reach their full potential and grows into an empowered, innovative adult who breaks the cycle of poverty and transforms their community.

Our Approach

Our philosophy is rooted in inclusivity and scalability. We believe that no donation is too small. When millions of us, both at home and abroad, each give just a little, together we create massive change.

We ask every Jamaican, and every friend of Jamaica around the world, to donate just one unit of their local currency: $1 USD | £1 GBP | €1 EUR | $1 CAD | $200 JMD. That's one coco, roughly a day's breakfast for one child.

Food prices move quickly, in Jamaica and worldwide, so we ask you to give generously rather than pin every gift to an exact amount. Prices are reviewed regularly, and the more generously we're supported, the more certain we can be that no child goes without, even as costs rise.