Our Origin Story
Synergy In Action Literacy & Numeracy Foundation Limited is located in Nine Mile District, Calderwood P.O., St. Ann, the heart of Dry Harbour Mountains. We serve Nine Mile District and surrounding communities. We provide each student with in-person high-dosage one-on-one tutoring sessions, an evidence-based educational intervention designed to accelerate student learning by providing consistent, targeted and structured instruction. Tutoring sessions occur a minimum of 3 times per week for 60 minutes lasting for a minimum of one semester, ideally for the entire school year. Our ethos is teaching at the right level. We provide instruction based on the students' ability, not their age. Our foundational literacy instruction focuses on the science of reading five key areas: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension and we use the 3 cue methodology (I do, we do, and you do). Once mastery is achieved in foundational literacy our science of reading shifts from "learning to read" to "reading to learn" by focusing on language comprehension and advanced word study. For our lower high school students we focus on the five key pillars: morphology and advanced word study (roots, prefixes, suffixes to decode multisyllabic academic terms); disciplinary literacy to understand subject-specific text structures and evidence-based argumentation; background knowledge and vocabulary — comprehension of high utility academic vocabulary; fluency and prosody – fluent reading with appropriate phrasing; and metacognition — the student's ability to monitor understanding and use strategies to clarify text meaning. We use a concrete to abstract approach (CPA) for our foundational numeracy focusing on number sense, basic operations, measurements, data handling and spatial understanding. For our lower high school students, once they are proficient in foundational numeracy we transition to the Concrete-Representational-Abstract (CRA) framework essential for bridging the gap between basic arithmetic and complex topics like algebra and geometry. This level moves beyond simple counting to modelling relationships and functions. Our evidence-based practices provide the necessary assistance to low-performing, at-risk students to "catch up" reducing educational inequality. The need of this region is great, and our reach is simply not enough, which is why we founded Synergy In Action Literacy & Numeracy Foundation Limited.
Meet Our Founders
Dionne M. McIntosh
founder - visionary Leader
Dionne M. McIntosh, a visionary leader and Founder of Synergy In Action Literacy & Numeracy Foundation, leads the charge for social change with an unyielding commitment to making a significant impact. Her dynamic approach and innovative leadership distinguish her as a trailblazer in the field. After starting her career as an Executive Assistant and transitioning to Paralegal, Dionne carved a niche in Ontario’s immigration sector before confidently stepping into Canada's corporate arena. With a formidable academic background, including a Bachelor of Paralegal Studies, MSc in Entrepreneurship and Innovation, an Advanced Diploma in Business Administration, and a certification in Business Insights and Analytics, Dionne has gained invaluable experience alongside Presidents and C-suite executives in Fortune 500 companies. In every role, she has proven to be an indispensable asset, consistently exceeding expectations and thriving in every opportunity. Her journey took a transformative turn when she partnered closely with the Executive Director of a non-governmental organization, where she witnessed firsthand the profound impact of philanthropy on communities. Upon relocating to the vibrant shores of Jamaica, Dionne embraced her new life with purpose. Fueled by her passion for education, she dove deeply into her children’s learning experiences, only to realize that her influence radiated far beyond her home. With an open door and an even more open heart, Dionne became a beacon of support for children in her community, welcoming friends of her children into her nurturing space. She tackled their struggles with numeracy and literacy with determination, empowering them to cultivate the confidence they needed to thrive. Through encouragement and dedication, she equipped these young minds with the resources to pursue their dreams. Dionne didn’t just teach; she ignited a belief that, with the right tools, a focused mindset, and relentless determination, they could achieve extraordinary things. Her home transformed into a vibrant hub of learning and opportunity, where every child was empowered to recognize and embrace their potential. Now, with over fifteen years of tutoring experience, and with unwavering resolve, Dionne is focused on conquering the pressing literacy and numeracy crisis in the Dry Habour Mountains of Jamaica.
Rebecca G. McIntosh
co-founder
Rebecca M. McIntosh is the Co-Founder of Synergy in Action Literacy & Numeracy Foundation, embodying a fierce commitment to change and empowerment. As the daughter of the founder, Rebecca’s journey commenced in a rigorous French-immersion program in Canada, igniting her enduring passion for education. She later relocated to Jamaica, where she completed her secondary and tertiary education, earning an ASc. in Architectural Science and Construction Technology and achieving distinction in French at the CSEC level. From an early age, Rebecca was an advocate for underprivileged children, witnessing their struggles and dreams firsthand. Rather than simply observing, she took action on behalf of her peers, who were too often marginalized because of their socioeconomic backgrounds or academic challenges. These formative experiences fueled her compassion and led to the powerful movement known as Synergy in Action, allowing her to channel her commitment into significant change for all children. With her rich educational background at the forefront, Rebecca is dedicated to transforming the lives of Jamaican children, firmly believing in their immense potential when provided with the right opportunities. As a pivotal member of the founding team, she is well-positioned to shape the organization’s strategic direction and operational execution, leveraging her exceptional entrepreneurial spirit.
Joseph N. Campbell
co-founder
Joseph N. Campbell is the co-founder of our organization, and he embodies a powerful advocate with an inspiring story. Raised in Nine Mile District in the heart of Dry Habour Mountains, Joseph gained a deep understanding of the challenges faced by individuals in underserved communities. His journey reflects unwavering resilience and a steadfast commitment to uplifting the voices of the marginalized. He is a beacon of hope, deeply admired by children and young people in his community and respected for his relentless pursuit of success. While earning his BSc in Business Administration, Joseph began his career in Jamaica's dynamic hotel and tourism sector. He demonstrated remarkable determination as he ascended from an entry-level position to become the Manager of Guest Services at a prestigious hotel overseas. Along the way, he has cultivated invaluable skills in staff management, guest relations, and operational oversight, all of which serve as critical assets to our organization. As a natural leader fueled by compassion and empathy, Joseph is poised to drive strategic decision-making and foster a culture of innovation within our team. His focus on building strong relationships is essential for aligning our mission with the community's needs and promoting sustainable growth, focuses on individualized learning plans, enhanced by his creative approach ensures that every child finds joy in learning.
Our Mission & Vision
Our Mission
To provide high-dosage, in-person, evidence-based literacy and numeracy tutoring to low-performing, at-risk students in Nine Mile District and surrounding communities of Dry Habour Mountains, St. Ann, Jamaica — giving every child the opportunity to reach their full academic potential, regardless of age or circumstance.
Our Vision
A community where every child in the Dry Harbour Mountains region reads with confidence, calculates with understanding, and graduates with the foundational skills to thrive in secondary school and beyond — and where educational inequality is no longer determined by geography.
Empowering Learners Through High Dosage Tutoring
Every student receives a tailored learning plan crafted by experienced educators, ensuring effective growth in literacy and numeracy.
Our dedicated team consists of skilled tutors committed to providing high-quality instruction in a supportive environment.
We offer adaptable scheduling options that fit seamlessly into students' lives, maximizing their learning potential.
Small group sessions foster collaboration and peer interaction, enhancing comprehension through shared learning experiences.
Consistent assessments and feedback help track student progress and refine learning strategies for ongoing improvement.
We maintain open communication with parents to keep them informed of their child's development and encourage involvement.
High Dosage In-Person Tutoring for Literacy & Numeracy
Customized Learning Plans
At Synergy In Action, we create individualized learning plans tailored to each student's unique needs and goals, ensuring effective literacy and numeracy skills development.
Expert Tutors Committed to Success
Our highly trained tutors bring passion and expertise to each session, fostering a positive learning environment that encourages student engagement and progress.
Flexible Scheduling Options
We provide flexible scheduling to accommodate busy families, allowing students to receive high dosage in-person tutoring at times that work best for them.
Progress Monitoring and Support
Regular assessments and feedback keep parents informed of their child's growth. Our team is dedicated to supporting our students every step of the way.
Our Approach to High-Dosage In-Person Tutoring
High-Dosage Tutoring Explained
Our high-dosage tutoring model involves intensive, personalized sessions designed to accelerate learning. These in-person interactions are crafted to maximize student engagement and promote deeper understanding in literacy and numeracy.
Focused Learning Environment
We provide a distraction-free classroom setting where students can focus on their learning goals. The bright, vibrant spaces we create have been shown to enhance motivation and encourage collaboration among peers.
Tailored Instruction for Every Learner
Recognizing that every student is unique, our approach adjusts to individual learning speeds and styles. Through specialized assessments, we identify specific needs, allowing us to customize instructional strategies that effectively address gaps in knowledge.
Ongoing Progress Monitoring
We believe in continuous improvement. Our team regularly tracks students' academic progress through assessments, ensuring that tutoring methods remain effective and that students stay on track towards achieving their educational goals.
Encouraging Peer Collaboration
Our sessions often incorporate group learning dynamics, fostering collaboration among students. Working together not only builds social skills but also encourages sharing of diverse perspectives, enhancing problem-solving capabilities.
Support Services for Literacy and Numeracy
Our focused tutoring sessions offer personalized literacy and numeracy support, ensuring significant improvement in student performance.
We provide dynamic, face-to-face tutoring in bright, welcoming environments, fostering collaboration and interaction among students.
Our dedicated educators tailor each tutoring program to meet the unique needs and learning styles of each student.
We regularly assess student progress to adapt learning strategies and celebrate achievements, keeping motivation high.
We work with local schools and organizations to enhance resources and support for students’ educational journeys.
Our Core Values
Every child deserves access to quality education regardless of where they live or their socioeconomic background. We are committed to closing the gap for underserved communities in rural Jamaica.
We ground every tutoring session in proven, research-backed methodologies — from the Science of Reading to the Concrete-Representational-Abstract framework — ensuring what we do actually works.
We teach at the right level, not the grade level. Every student is met where they are and guided forward at a pace that builds genuine mastery and lasting confidence.
We are transparent, accountable, and honest in everything we do — with our students, their families, and our community partners. Trust is the foundation of every relationship we build.
We are rooted in Nine Mile District and the Dry Harbour Mountains. Our work is shaped by, and for, the community we serve — because lasting change is built from within.
We hold ourselves to the highest standard in tutoring quality, student progress, and organizational impact. We believe every child is capable of extraordinary achievement with the right support.